Fiat seems to be committing itself to a future of spinning all of its models off the 500 brand name in future. A recent report released by Fiat stated that it sees no future in trying to sell conventional b and c segment hatchback in Europe, which seems to spell the death knell for the Punto and Bravo.
But the 500-based 500 L, which launches in Ireland in the spring, is already spinning off derivatives to allow Fiat to attack multiple market niches with one basic vehicle as a base-point. The first such version is the rugged-looing 500 L Trekking, which was launched at the Los Angeles motor show last week. It's basically a standard 500 L with bigger wheels, faux-4x4 bumpers and side panels and an upgraded two-tone interior. In the new year, we'll also see seven-seat 500 XL and proper 4x4 500 X versions as Fiat goes after the Mini MPV and compact SUV markets. Will buyers be any more attracted to such cars than they would have been to a standard Punto? We'll see...
Helping set the FIAT 500L Trekking apart from its siblings are aggressively-styled front and rear bumpers, wheel-arch and rocker-panel mouldings and larger 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior echoes the earthy feel of the exterior styling cues and, as with the standard FIAT 500L, there’s a choice of a 5.0 or 6.5-inch touch-screen Uconnect infotainment system, the latter offering satellite navigation and a media hub in addition to the former’s Bluetooth connectivity and music stream capabilities. According to Tim Kuniskis, FIAT Brand Manager for North America, “With the rugged personality of the Trekking we will attract a wider cross-section of customers while keeping intact all the great benefits of the Fiat 500L.”
Meanwhile, the 2012 LA Motor Show was also the venue for the North American debut of the new FIAT 500L, which differs only slightly from the European model in terms of its final execution, mainly due to local legislation. The North American model is powered by a 160hp 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, mated either to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The new FIAT 500L and FIAT 500L Trekking are produced at FIAT Group Automobiles’ manufacturing plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive in North American dealerships in mid-2013. The FIAT 500L is expected to go on sale in Ireland in the spring of 2013 and the European version of the FIAT 500L Trekking is likely to follow in the autumn. Prices and final specifications for Ireland will be announced closer to the both vehicles’ respective Irish launches.
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