Road test: Fiat 500L

Fiat’s “baby”, the 500, continues to spawn new variations, and two more are heading to the UK.

The 500L Beats Edition is a more urban version of the Trekking model, with its roughtie-toughtie cladding and go-anyway look, despite being only two-wheel drive.

The Beats has two-tone paint and bits of red trim, including snazzy red brake calipers.

To this has been added the 120-watt sound system called Beats by Dr Dre, which was already an option on the 500L. Fiat expects the main seller to be the 1.6-litre Multijet II diesel, with 120hp from its reworked engine, giving better fuel consumption and lower emissions.

The sound system is excellent but the car’s seats offer little lateral or thigh support and the dials are unattractive and difficult to read.

The other newcomer is the Cult version of the 500 hatchback, which can switch to a digital dashboard, which works well and looks far better than before.

This model, which is unchanged externally, still feels like a more cohesive and attractive design than the 500L, with more comfortable seats than the larger model and a more efficient centre console.

The Cult has new alloy wheels, a larger infotainment screen and new leather and fabrics for the cabin. The 900cc Twinair engine has been upped to 105hp, and still has its cheerful growl.

The 500 is also available in popstar, lounge or sport trim and both cars are available with a 120hp T-Jet petrol engine.

Fiat 500L Beats Edition Multijet II
Top speed: 117mph;
MPG: 61mpg;
Price: to be announced