Meet the Fiat 500L Beats Edition, the range-topping model in Fiat’s 500L compact people carrier range. Bigger and more family-friendly than the regular 500, the 500L polarized critics with its size and looks, but with this new trim, its bespoke design and unique kit, Fiat’s back to turn up the volume. It’s definitely a little less Straight Outta Compton than straight off the school run, but the addition of a Beats by Dre sound system and sharp-looking details like wider wheel arches and red brake calipers means it’ll definitely appeal to a more youthful and urbane audience. Inside, the Beats Edition model comes complete with this nice black fabric and leather upholstery, while the large dash supports a five-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and DAB radio. The rear parking camera is a handy extra for £270, making things a lot easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces, although it’s not the clearest picture.
Controls are all simple and straightforward, while there’s plenty of storage cabbies, though the seats to me just feel a little bit firm and can be hard to make yourself comfortable in. Still, the centerpiece of this model is the Beats sound system. With seven speakers and two sub-woofer channels, Fiat claims that it’s specially tuned to recreate the exact sound spectrum of a recording studio. Whether or not that’s true I’m not entirely sure, but it definitely does perform well with crystal clarity and none of the buzz or flabbiness other sound systems tend to experience at high volume. Clamber in the back and the whole car feels seriously huge inside thanks to its 2.6 meter wheelbase, which will be good news for lanky drivers as much as it is for active families, with miles of legroom and plenty of headroom too.
Boot dimensions clock in at 412 liters with the rear seats up and a huge 1,480 liters with them down. It also features an adjustable load platform to make it easier to fit in large items, while the back seats can slide forward for a quick fix of extra space. Given the 500L’s size, it should be obvious that you’re not in for the most dynamic ride around. Despite sharing a name, it doesn’t even feel fair to compare it to the smaller 500; they’re just not the same type of car at all. The 17-inch matt black alloys and cushy suspension make for a comfortable ride, albeit a slightly lethargic one as it’s prone to swishing about under heavy braking and there’s a fair bit of body roll around corners. Likewise, while the steering is light and easy to turn, it does feel just a little vague out on the open road. That said, in town it performs pretty well, while pushing the City Mode button on the dash makes steering even lighter to navigate through tight streets and small spaces. It’s good on the motorway too thanks to the addition of a sixth gear, sorely missed on the smaller 500, that makes cruising a breeze, though there’s some road noise and the engine can get a tad rumbly at lower revs.
Still, this 1.6-litre diesel is actually quite punchy once the turbocharger kicks in, with 118bhp on tap and 320Nm of torque that’s great for zipping past traffic. Add that to fuel economy of nearly 62mpg and just 120g/km of CO2 emissions, and it’s also relatively cheap and stress-free to run. The main problem most people have had with the 500L is its divisive looks, but with its matt grey finish and cool touches, it’s hard to deny that the Beats Edition is certainly a lot more fashionable than its siblings. Driving enthusiasts will find a Ford C-MAX more rewarding, but despite a slightly soggy ride and even if you’re not a Dre fan, the Fiat 500L Beats Edition offers a well-equipped, spacious and characterful car for a relatively low price tag. So, could you see yourself behind the wheel of the Fiat 500L Beats Edition?
Fiat 500L 2015 Car Auto Review
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Oleh
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