Fiat 500L Mpw Diesel Estate
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Review Of The Fiat 500L MPV Diesel
JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGZi1aU3REOVZxZVUlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBnZXN0dXJlJTNEJTIybWVkaWElMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmNlbnRlciUzRQ==If you love the cute and fun Fiat 500 but need something a lot bigger, the Fiat 500L MPV Diesel could be the car you’ve been looking for. It’s the biggest in the 500 family, so it loses some style points. But it gets brownie points for space, low running costs, comfort and versatility.
It’s lengthier than the original 500, which means there is an option for seven seats. It gets a good amount of standard kit, too, as well as some neat accessories to jazz it up.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Fiat 500L MPV Diesel review.
On The Road
One thing we really like about the 500L MPV is that it’s almost as easy to drive as the 500. It’s bigger but, thanks to light controls, it isn’t any more intimidating to drive. Approach bends with too much enthusiasm and you might lose a bit of confidence. But apart from that, it’s designed to be easy to live with.
It isn’t as much fun to drive as some rivals, though. Instead, Fiat has made it as predictable and safe as possible. However, this is an MPV after all, so it figures that it’s not as fun as the 500 Hatchback.[vc_single_image image=”54595″ img_size=”article-image”]
Moreover, whoever buys seven-seaters to launch them into corners?
Still, it must be said that, despite the extra length, this is a fairly small seven-seater. As such, it’s got a tight turning circle and is fairly easy to park.
There are two diesel engines to choose from, a 1.3 and 1.6-litre unit. The latter is the most popular with buyers. It produces up to 104bhp, which makes for good-enough performance. It’s a growler that asks you to whip it before it gets going, and we prefer the new 118bhp version. It’s more sedate, and suits the car better.
The 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine is well worth overlooking, as it’s too slow and lacks suitable shove for an MPV. On a full load, it will really struggle.
Fiat 500L MPV Diesel Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”54594″ img_size=”article-image”]The car comes with the option of seven seats, but the extra two are for children only. All the seats are supportive and comfortable. Coupled with the soft suspension, the 500L MPV offers a relaxed driving experience that absorbs lumps and bumps well.
Insulation is good, too. Tyre, engine and wind noise is all kept at a minimum, even out on the motorway on blustery days.
In terms of style, the new car has more in common with the MINI Countryman than with the Fiat 500. It’s not as shapely, cute or attractive as the 500 – but it was never going to be. It also looks a bit tail-heavy, and its looks will divide opinion.
Surprisingly, the interior is daily stylish, and the cabin has taken a few cues from the original 500. The colours have been muted a bit, but you get two-tone fabrics for the seats and you can choose from a few different colours.
The displays are showing their age, and this is perhaps the cabin’s biggest disappointment. The LED trip computer is the main offender, and looks out of place compared to more modern rivals.
As this is the practical version of the 500 Hatchback, it figures that it gets more interior space. The boot can go as big as 638-litres in the five-seater version, but is reduced to just 168 for the seven-seater. Those extra seats are useful if you have more kids, but they do cost £800 to add. They’re also only suitable for children.
Legroom in the rear is not excellent, whether you’re an adult or a child. Things can also get a bit hazardous, and you’ll have to be careful you don’t trap your toes in the seat in front.
Equipment & Safety Of The Citroen C4 Picasso MPV
If you go for the full sha-bang and add the seven seats, you’re getting a pretty good deal. Compared to rivals, this is one of the cheapest on the market. Standard kit is also good, and includes a 5” touchscreen and alloys. Bluetooth connectivity is also thrown in along with driver and passenger air conditioning.
In terms of safety, the 500L MPV hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP yet. However, the 500L scored 5/5 when it was tested, and we’d expect this to follow suit. Standard safety kit includes anti-lock brakes and window and side airbags. You also get traction control.
Costs Of The Citroen C4 Picasso MPV
Prices for the new car start out from just over £19,500 and rise to £22,000. For more information on our lease deals, you can check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, there are some really small and genuinely economical engines available. For example, the 1.3-litre diesel engine averages 68.9mpg economy. However, these engines are just too small for a car of this size and therefore hard to recommend.
The 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel engine is a good all-rounder that’s capable of returning fuel economy of 67.3mpg. The 900cc TwinAir petrol unit, meanwhile, is adept at carrying the car on a full load, but Fiat’s estimated fuel economy of over 55mpg is stretching the imagination a bit. In the real world, it’ll be hard to achieve those numbers.
The e-HDi 115 diesel is more useful and offers more power, and with fuel economy returns of 70.6mpg, it’s also still very affordable. Moreover, it costs just £20 a year to tax.
If you’re tempted by the pace of the petrols, the quickest engine in the range (the 1.6-litre 161bhp) is good for 48.7mpg.
Pros and Cons Of The Fiat 500L MPV Diesel
Pros:
Practical
200mm has been added behind the rear wheels, and this alone frees up enough space to make the car a practical MPV.
Frugal
The engines are on the whole economical, though the really frugal ones suffer from a lack of power.
Stylish Interior
The exterior lacks style, but the cabin is smartly designed and easy on the eye.
Cons:
Slow Engines
The 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine, in particular, shouldn’t really be here. It’s far too sluggish to cope with such a big car.
Not So Much Fun
You might argue that you don’t buy cars like this to have a ball. But buyers who do want to be entertained will be looking at the likes of the C-MAX instead.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
Fiat 500L MPV Diesel vs Skoda Kodiaq (7 Seater) vs Vauxhall Zafira
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our Fiat 500L MPV Diesel review.
Fiat 500L MPV Diesel vs Skoda Kodiaq
The new Skoda Kodiaq is a stunning seven-seater that treats you and your family to a pleasant interior. Its handsome looks and drivability also make it a very attractive option.
This is one of Skoda’s most confident cars yet. It’s big, but don’t let that deceive you into thinking it offers an unwieldy drive. Accurate steering allows you to plant the car with inch-perfect precision, while body lean is well managed. It’s also surprisingly a lot of fun, despite the suspension being so soft.[vc_single_image image=”54861″ img_size=”article-image”]
You can add Driving Mode Select for extra cash, which lets you switch between 3 modes. Doing so adjusts the gearbox, steering and acceleration characteristics so the car drives how you want it to. However, without this expensive option the Kodiaq is entertaining enough.
Most of the engines are available with four-wheel drive, but the 1.4-litre petrol misses out. This turbocharged unit develops 123bhp, is paired up with a manual ‘box and is the cheapest available. A 148bhp option has more power, and lets you add sturdier four-wheel-drive if you wish.
Doing so boosts acceleration, and the engine can whizz you from a rest to 62mph in 9.7 seconds. However, a bigger 2.0-litre petrol engine suits the car better when it’s on a full load. That extra power really does make the difference with a car like this.
The diesel engines are satisfying enough, with the 2.0-litre 148bhp doing 0-62 in 9.2 seconds. They’re also hushed and smooth, too. It’s economical as well – returns of 56.6mpg for a 7-seater are pretty remarkable.
The petrol engines benefit from Skoda’s use of advanced efficient engine tech, too. The 123bhp 1.4-litre engine, for example, is good for 47.1mpg.
Inside, the Skoda Kodiaq SUV doesn’t stand out from the crowd with an eye-catching design. Instead, what we like about its interior are the quality of the materials, as well as the way everything is put together. It’s a smart, relaxing and comfortable cabin.
It’s well insulated, too. You’ll barely hear a peep, even at high speeds, while the ride quality is also good. There are hefty 19” alloys available, but even they can absorb lumps and bumps like a sponge.
In terms of practicality, the Skoda Kodiaq SUV is one of the most useful cars on the road. Space is plentiful, no matter what trim you choose, while the boot measures 270-litres with all seven seats up. Take the two at the backdown, and the boot measures 630. This should suffice for everyone except piano removers.
These two extra seats are available in SE trim, and demand a £1,000 premium over the 5 seater model.
Price:
Fiat – £19,500 – £22,000
Skoda – £21,800 – £35,400
Fiat 500L MPV Diesel vs Vauxhall Zafira
[vc_single_image image=”54862″ img_size=”article-image”]The Vauxhall Zafira is a bit of a headline draw in this sector. It’s been around for a few years now, and has a solid reputation. It’s got space, flexibility, drivability, and plenty of standard safety kit.
It’s also a seven-seater that’s at home on the road. It’s not massively entertaining, but the comfy suspension and swift handling will be enough for most families. Moreover, there is an engine for everyone.
With an inefficient 1.8-litre petrol engine dropped, the best petrol model is a turbocharged 1.4-litre unit. It’s not short of power, can do 0-62 in under 10.0 seconds, and overtakes with confidence. It returns 42.2mpg, but emissions of 156g/km of CO2 means your yearly tax bill will be high.
The diesel engines are more expensive to buy, but suit the car better. A smooth and strong 1.6-litre model is especially attractive, and it can do 0-62 in 10.4 seconds. However, if you go for the full-fat seven-seater, you’ll want more power. The 2.0-litre 168bhp is a willing workhorse, and does 0-62 in 9.1 seconds.
It’s economical too, and can return fuel economy of 57.7mpg.
Like a lot of modern cars, the Zafira’s had its dashboard spruced up. Gone are many of the old buttons, with the result being a clean, polished dash. The controls are logically laid out, and easy to reach and use. A 7” infotainment touchscreen is available in all models as standard, as is a DAB radio and cruise control.
The interior isn’t wanting for space or comfort either – or flexibility. Indeed, it’s the flexibility of the seating arrangement that’s this cars biggest USP. It’s had individually flat-folding seats since it was launched back in 1999. Ever since then, Vauxhall has refined this feature, and it’s even more seamless and useful. The seats collapse in just seconds, to reveal a 710-litre boot.
We’re guessing that you won’t need all those seven seats all the time. They are, however, really handy when you do need them. Legroom is mostly good for all, with the only exception being the middle passenger in the second row. ISOFIX points are available, but only on the 2 outer second-row seats, while these second-row seats slide back and forth.
Price:
Vauxhall – £19,500 – £30,500
Verdict Of Our Fiat 500L MPV Diesel
For some, the 500L MPV will be a step too far in Fiat’s bid to prolong the 500’s legacy. It proved an impossible task for the brand to retain the original cars cute, retro looks. As a consequence, it’s not the fairest in the land.
However, a stretched wheelbase means it’s the only 500 that can pack seven seats. It’s hugely practical, comfortable, and affordable to run. Overall, the Fiat 500L MPV Diesel is more of an interesting than a convincing proposition. Worth a test at least.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[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
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