500L

Make
Fiat
Segment
Wagon

If you're enamored of the Fiat 500 but you need more space than the little hatchback can offer, you may be interested in the 500L. Over two feet longer than the Cinquecento, the 500L offers four doors (five if you count the rear lift-gate) and 42 percent more space inside. The 500L has been on the market overseas for months already, but has just been revealed in US specification for the first time at the LA Auto Show. And with it, Fiat has revealed the more rugged 500L Trekking model.

While the European model comes with a range of engine options, the new US model packs an even more muscular version of the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four from the Abarth model, driving 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Available alongside the more minivan-looking standard spec, the Trekking trim further distinguishes the 500L with a similar treatment that turns a Subaru Legacy into the Outback or the Audi A6 into the Allroad. That means contrasting black body-cladding along the bottom edge of the car and fender flares.

A two-tone cabin (with Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system) and 17-inch wheels further set the Trekking model apart, while a contrasting roof like those you might find on a Mini or a Toyota FJ Cruiser is also on offer to further emphasize the retro design.