2013 Fiat 500L to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

Fiat will be using the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to show a more practical version of its iconic 500 with the bigger and roomier 500L. Unlike the 500 and 500C, the 2013 Fiat 500L deviates more from the classic Fiat 500 styling to create a car with a more conventional (yet equally distinguishable) design to go up against subcompact hatchbacks. Fiat says that the 500L will be produced in Kragujevac, Serbia, and it will go on sale in the United States next year likely for the 2014 model year (sales in Europe will begin by the end of this year). With sales of the 2012 Fiat 500 coming in well below the projected first-year total of 50,000 units, adding the 500L (and the 500 Abarth) could help drive more customers to the brand.

With the "L" in 500L standing for "large," the newest Fiat model is bigger than the current 500 measuring 160.3 inches long, 70.1 inches wide and 65.4 inches tall. While these numbers are for the European version, that is still considerably bigger than the 2012 500 which measures in at 139.6 inches long, 64.1 inches wide and 59.8 inches tall. These increased dimensions put the 2013 Fiat 500L squarely in the same class as the MINI Countryman. No information or images were released regarding the interior, but we'd expect a five-passenger seating configuration and increased cargo space.

Aside from the obvious addition of two extra doors, the 2013 Fiat 500L carries over some recognizable styling traits while making the five-door hatchback fit in a little better in this market. Up front, the 500's rounded headlights and turn signals now get a little more oval shaped on the 500L, but the short hood, slightly rounded roofline and "whiskers and logo" front face are all present on this new design. To keep the 500's signature shape intact, awkward quarter windows were added in between the windshield and A-pillars.

In Europe, a trio of engines will be offered in the new 500L, but the U.S. market version will likely just stick with the engine used in the 500: the 1.4-liter MultiAir inline-four that puts out 101 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. While the current 500 is only a front-wheel drive car, we would expect an optional all-wheel drive system to be added on the 500L since Fiat says this new model will combine the passenger space of an MPV (or a compact minivan like the Mazda MAZDA5) with the feel of a small SUV.