Fiat has announced the release of the latest addition to its Fiat 500 portfolio – the 500L.
The new motor is set to go on sale at the end of this year's first quarter and could appeal to shoppers checking out the latest Fiat deals who want a motor that combines practicality and high aesthetics.
It is hoped that advances made through the 500L – such as its additional space, modern technology and improved eco-friendliness – will highlight the model as something more than a typical mini multi-purpose vehicle.
The concept of space efficiency has been expanded through the new layout of the car, with its 'cab forward' design providing more room for passengers.
As a result, five passengers with five suitcases should be able to fit in the 500L with ease, while extensive glazing has also been introduced to give the feel of a more spacious interior.
Indeed, windscreen pillars have been divided and tapered in an attempt to improve visibility, while also giving the car's frame added strength – which is something that could prove invaluable if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
This advantage appears to have been picked up on by Euro NCAP, which has awarded the motor a five-star car safety grade.
Andreas Wuppinger, chief of exterior design at Fiat, said: "We asked ourselves how we could fit a large usable internal space and some emotion into a limited external size.
"Starting with the experience gained from the 500, we tried to transfer the same imagination to the new car, accentuating the concept of versatility."
Fiat is promoting the 500L as a functional family car that also boasts a cool, fun and cheeky attitude, while it also has the widest colour range of any model in its segment and a cleaner petrol engine than any of its main rivals.
The release comes after Fiat's Panda was recently used by fundraisers Philip Young and Paul Brace as they broke the world record for driving non-stop from Cape Town to London.
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Posted by Emma Grange