Although the design doesn’t quite show it, Fiat claims 40 percent of all components are new
The largest member of Fiat's 500-branded family has been given a comprehensive update for 2017. Changes consist of the addition of more convenience and technology features, subtle styling tweaks, as well as a reshuffling of the lineup.
Whereas before the range consisted of the 500L, 500L Trekking, and 500L Living (500L MPW in the UK), from now on they are renamed 500L Urban, 500L Cross, and 500L Wagon. Fiat claims 40 percent of all components are new, although one wouldn't realize that by analyzing the design: besides the reshaped grille and version-specific bumpers, nothing major seems to have changed.
As the name reveals, the 500L Cross is the most adventurous model of the range, featuring a rugged look thanks to a 25-mm taller ride height and crossover-specific bumpers and plastic cladding on the body. The Cross also features a Mode Selector that offers three different response modes according to driving style and road conditions: Normal, Traction+, and Gravity Control.
The Urban is the default "personality" of the 500L, while the Wagon is the longer version capable of accommodating up to seven passengers.
Inside, the 2017 Fiat 500L features an updated cabin with a new steering wheel, refreshed instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch color graphic display, a 7-inch touchscreen Uconnect HD Live infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a redesigned gear lever now placed higher for increased driving comfort.
The refreshed 500L range is available in ten pastel or metallic colors, with three types of roof (body-colored, glossy black, and white or matt black), giving customers a choice of 37 color combinations.
Depending on the market, the engine lineup includes gasoline, diesel, LPG, and methane units. The petrol range consists of a 95 hp 1.4-liter 16V unit, 120 hp 1.4-liter 16V TJet, and 105 hp 0.9-liter TwinAir. The LPG 1.4-liter TJet delivers 120 hp while the methane-compatible 0.9-liter TwinAir is rated at 85 hp. The diesel range consists of a 95 hp 1.3-liter 16V MultiJet and a 120 hp 1.6-liter 16V MultiJet. The engines are mated to five- or six-speed manual or Dualogic robotic automatic transmissions.
All these changes apply to the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, but Fiat is likely to offer them on the U.S.-spec model as well.