Model Tested: — 2014 Fiat 500L Easy
Engine: 1.4 Liter Multi Air® Turbo
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (6-speed Automatic available)
EPA Ratings: 25/City/33 Highway — 28/Combined
Base Price: $20,195
As Tested: $20.995
Performance:
Surprisingly good with smooth acceleration
Powerful enough for moderate hills
Steering and braking are excellent
Comfort:
Suspension is firm, but not bone-crunching like the Mini
Reasonably quiet thanks to acoustical material on the windshield and in the wheel wells. We heard some road noise, but not wind noise
On a drive to Hood River, OR and back the same day, the fatigue factor was minimal
Utility:
Class-leading cargo space — 21.3 Cu. Ft.
WOW Factors:
Lots of room inside
Striking, and somewhat eclectic design
More comfortable than you may expect
Whines:
Engine is quiet at City speeds but gets noisy on the highway
Minimal storage space in front
Bottom Line:
The 2014 Fiat 500L is a credible alternative for families who don’t want to trade looks for utility. While it has a few eccentricities, the 500L offers solid driving dynamics and class-leading cargo space.
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