2014 Fiat 500L Launches with Complimentary Premier Package

In an aggressive move to help the 2014 Fiat 500L get off to a fast start in the marketplace—something the now-popular Fiat 500 was unable to accomplish—the brand is launching the former with some $1,700 worth of complimentary upgrades on all models but the entry choice. And that one, the 2014 Fiat 500L Pop, will go on sale in June for just $19,100—while offering standard features like:

• A 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that relies on turbocharging and MultiAir technology to deliver 160 hp and a notable 180 lb.-ft. of torque
• Fiat’s Euro Twin Clutch six-speed automatic transmission
• Uconnect 5.0 infotainment/connectivity technology, boasting a 5-inch touchscreen, hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio streaming, six audio speakers,a text-message reader, USB and auxiliary inputs
• Interior amenities like air conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, leather and chrome cabin accents, and power windows and locks
• A sport suspension with Koni’s frequency-selective-damping system
• High-fashion good looks, accented by a stainless-steel exhaust tip, black exterior mirror caps, 16-inch wheels and chrome-accented wheel covers

Of course, the big differentiator here is the bigger size of the 2014 Fiat 500L. Coming in at 167.1 inches in length, the 500L is about 28 inches longer than the 500 proper, allowing it to offer 42 percent more interior volume. In fact, with a combined 120.1 cubic feet available, the 2014 Fiat 500L provides the biggest cabin in the segment, enhanced by the only second-row seats in the segment that can be adjusted fore and aft; they also recline and can tumble forward for added versatility.

Optional: A Beats sound system that packs a 6.5-inch subwoofer in a trunk-mounted enclosure and boasts an eight-channel amp with the Beats Audio digital sound-processing algorithm.

“The all-new Fiat 500L expands the reach of the FIAT brand in North America, appealing to customers who like the contemporary Italian style of the Fiat 500 but need more space and functionality to match their lifestyle needs,” said Jason Stoicevich, head of FIAT Brand North America. “The Fiat 500L offers the whole package, with best-in-class interior space, class-leading horsepower, exclusive technology features and the style that only Italians can create.”?

As for those other models and that complimentary Premier Package … .

2014 Fiat 500L Easy

With an MSRP of $20,195, the 2014 Fiat 500L Easy adds a dash of upscale flair to the already-dashing Pop model, courtesy of exterior enhancements such as 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored exterior mirrors and a deep-tint rear glass. Inside, the car gets a premium audio upgrade highlighted by a 520-watt amplifier, and also shows off a front-center storage console, exclusive seat fabric, a leather-wrapped, chrome-accented shift knob, and two particularly striking style cues: Fiat’s unique “square-in-circle” leather-wrapped steering wheel and a custom-look vinyl-wrap, available in three colors, for the instrument panel.

As mentioned, the 2014 Fiat 500L Easy also welcomes a complimentary Premier Package during its launch year, deploying rear park-assist and rearview-camera technologies, voice-control navigation, an SD card reader, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Per Fiat, it all adds up to a no-charge option package worth $1,700.

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Catering to the American market’s taste for rugged SUV-type design will be the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking. This model wears its own unique, two-piece front and rear fascias, with accents in a special shade of graphite that Fiat calls “Grigio Chiaro.” Then, the same color also is used for the 500L’s wheel-arch and side-sill moldings, as well as the recessed license-plate area and reflector surrounds. Fog lamps and Fiat’s satin-finished front “whisker” accents are standard, too.

The more premium cabin of the Trekking model showcases a two-tone appearance in Nero Black and Marrone Brown, set off by a painted instrument-panel bezel, Nero/Marrone door and door-panel bolsters, and low-back bucket seats finished in premium fabric.

Naturally, the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking rides on bigger, wider tires, wrapped around 17-inch aluminum wheels.

(As a reminder, the Premier Package is included in the $21,195 MSRP of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model for its first selling season as well.)

2014 Fiat 500L Lounge

The brand further refines the 2014 Fiat 500L in the form of the Lounge edition. With a price of admission that starts at $24,195—and includes the Premier Package—the Lounge model welcomes premium leather seating, with heating for the driver and front-seat passenger, along with a vinyl-wrapped instrument panel, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control, an integrated rear-seat armrest with cupholders, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated compass. And note that the driver’s seat in the 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge is a four-way power-adjustable unit with two-way power-adjustable lumbar support.

Distinguishing the exterior of the car are its chrome body-side moldings and mirror caps, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and aggressive fog lamps.

But the real differentiator at the top of the range isn’t something drivers will see—it’s the advanced Euro Twin Clutch six-speed automatic transmission that will provide improved performance, efficiency and refinement in the 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge.