Fiat will launch their own Ertiga beater in mid-2013, the 500L. This car is very practical, has typical Italian good styling and is an excellent city mini-MPV. The Fiat 500L will be powered by the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine with 90 BHP, specially tuned to give better low end torque and refinement as well as a 1.4 FIRE petrol engine with about 94 BHP on tap for the Indian market. Both these engines are already offered on existing Fiat vehicles.
The Fiat 500L is based on an extended Punto platform and the body of the 500. So with dashing good looks, it is spacious and practical with dimensions similar to the Ertiga but slightly wider and shorter. It has as many as 22 storage spaces inside and 400-litres of boot space with the rear adjustable seats pushed forward. Also the rear seats have an option of 60:40 split plus the option of folding down the front passenger seats making this a van if need be. The 500L is a 5-seater and the company might extend the wheelbase and add 2 more seats.
Fiat will launch the 500L in mid 2013 after the announcement of the budget and should be priced at about Rs. 10 lakhs for the diesel version. With parts sharing with the Punto and good amount of localization, Fiat should be able to keep the price as low as possible, making this an extremely good, practical mini-MPV very value for money. If this model gains good sales for Fiat, the Italian company that was struggling to survive in the Indian subcontinent might just see a ray of hope. With Fiat taking all the right steps to improve the dealer and service network, this might just be the perfect opportunity.
Source – Topgear India