Hi guys
Been to see the 500L yesterday at BS Marson in Newcastle, Staffs. Its a French Pop Star with many, many options added.
In actual fact (a bit like the Punto Evo and the new Panda IMHO) looks a million times better in the flesh than in any photograph.
The HUGE panoramic glass roof is an amazing feature. The electric blind would keep me amused for hours !
It feels huge too on the inside considering its not much larger than the current Punto. Very tardis like indeed.
The touch-screen stereo is also a very good feature and one that I thought would be gimmicky and naff, but actually its very easy to use and the car menus are much easier to access and use through this system.
The tumble rear seats are an excellent idea. Flip the switch, fold the seat and it tumbles out of the way very neatly. The only issue is that its very heavy lifting the seat back into its position that some might struggle with.
My only gripe with the car is that dashboard itself. The display feel very yesteryear. First gen Grande Puntoish tbh. The heater controls feel cheap and nasty and the gloveboxes feel a little 'rushed' in their fitment and finish.
Having said that this is an early production car so things might change. The Punto Evo had some big issues with fit and finish in the beginning and that did cost £14500 upwards for top spec cars, so things might improve.
Overall though I was very impressed. Its certainly for someone who wants a large Fiat and the practicalities of an MPV or an estate car. It is a miss-mash of Fiat 500 and new Panda but perhaps the harmony of both cars is a winner. The style of a 500 with the everyday practicality of the Panda.
And when you consider that the 4X4 diesel Panda is topping out at £14500+ the 500L is pretty good value.
Steve
Been to see the 500L yesterday at BS Marson in Newcastle, Staffs. Its a French Pop Star with many, many options added.
In actual fact (a bit like the Punto Evo and the new Panda IMHO) looks a million times better in the flesh than in any photograph.
The HUGE panoramic glass roof is an amazing feature. The electric blind would keep me amused for hours !
It feels huge too on the inside considering its not much larger than the current Punto. Very tardis like indeed.
The touch-screen stereo is also a very good feature and one that I thought would be gimmicky and naff, but actually its very easy to use and the car menus are much easier to access and use through this system.
The tumble rear seats are an excellent idea. Flip the switch, fold the seat and it tumbles out of the way very neatly. The only issue is that its very heavy lifting the seat back into its position that some might struggle with.
My only gripe with the car is that dashboard itself. The display feel very yesteryear. First gen Grande Puntoish tbh. The heater controls feel cheap and nasty and the gloveboxes feel a little 'rushed' in their fitment and finish.
Having said that this is an early production car so things might change. The Punto Evo had some big issues with fit and finish in the beginning and that did cost £14500 upwards for top spec cars, so things might improve.
Overall though I was very impressed. Its certainly for someone who wants a large Fiat and the practicalities of an MPV or an estate car. It is a miss-mash of Fiat 500 and new Panda but perhaps the harmony of both cars is a winner. The style of a 500 with the everyday practicality of the Panda.
And when you consider that the 4X4 diesel Panda is topping out at £14500+ the 500L is pretty good value.
Steve
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