The Fiat 500L is a MPV based on the popular retro-modern 500 mini hatchback. Launched in international markets in 2012, the MPV has been since selling well thanks to the mix of it’s somewhat ‘cute’ styling inside-out and the practicality offered inside.
It has been rumored before that Fiat was considering launching the 500L in India since it was first showcased as the compact-MPV segment in India is booming. It seems that Fiat is finally getting ready to launch the 500L in India as it has been spotted testing in India.
Spy Shots
Photo Source: MotorBeam.com
As you can see from the images above, Fiat India is testing the MPV here, the spy shots were taken in Pune. If launched, the Fiat 500L is expected to be manufactured / assembled via CKD kits to keep the costs down and be competitive enough in the market. The 500 hatchback was brought to India via the CBU route which in turn meant that it cost upwards of Rs. 20 Lakh, and ultimately made it a very slow seller. The Fiat 500L, if the company wants it to be a popular car in India, would have to be assembled in India, keeping costs under the Rs. 10 Lakh mark to make any sense.
There is also an argument that Fiat should bring the 500L Living, the 7-seater version of the 500L which could be directly pegged against the compact-MPV segment leader, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The competition in this segment is low and Fiat could exploit the situation to help boost it’s market share in the market.
Photo Gallery: 2013 Fiat 500L
The 500L should be powered by the same engines that are on offer on the Linea sedan, the MPV is over 4-metres in length and unless Fiat makes it shorter, it is expected to be powered by higher capacity engines. Internationally, the 500L is offered with either a 0.9-litre petrol engine, a 1.3-litre diesel, two different 1.4-litre petrol engines and a 1.6-litre diesel engine.
Some of the features oofered on the MPV internationally include:
- 2610-mm wheelbase
- 400-litre luggage space
- 60:40 rear seat split
- UConnect infotainment system which includes a 5-inch screen, AUX / Bluetooth / MP3 conncectivity, voice-recognition and smartphone integration
- ABS+ Brake Assist and ECS
What do you think of the Fiat 500L? Do you think that Fiat should launch the MPV in India, or should it launch the 500L Living here instead?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
