Fiat is planning to turn around its entire range by projecting the Panda and the 500’s image on its upcoming models, just like it recently did with the 500L small minivan. The Italian carmaker is preparing to launch the 500X small crossover and the 500XL, which is a 200-mm (7.9-in) longer, 7-seat version of the 500L.
If you were wondering what it looks like, a picture of the upcoming 500XL compact people carrier surfaced on an online forum. From this single image, we can see the added length in the wider, third lateral window, where the third row of seats is placed.
The 500L is not a looker itself and the added length of the 500XL further distorts the already fragile harmony of proportions of the shorter model. At least it will be a more practical car, given its two extra seats and the larger trunk (+100 liters).
It is expected that the longer model will be available with the same engines as the 500L – two gasoline units (a 95-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder and a 105-hp 0.9-liter TwinAir two-cylinder) and two diesels (an 85-hp 1.3-liter MultiJet unit and a 105-hp 1.6-liter MultiJet II engine).
Production of the 500XL will start at the end of May in Kragujevac, with the first European deliveries expected at the end of July.
Given that the 500X name will designate a crossover, baptizing the long 500L as the 500XL could be a little confusing, with some sources saying the car could be named the 500L + to eliminate any confusion.
By Dan Mihalascu
Photo Credits: Cochespias
PHOTO GALLERY
