Fiat 500L S-Design Edition Aims To Inject Some Extra Style

The 500L, let’s face it, is not exactly the prettiest model that Fiat makes. But this latest special edition is out to rectify that.

Called the S-Design edition, it’s based on the Fiat 500L Cross, but upgrades its appearance in similar fashion to the previous takes on the 124 Spider, 500X, and Tipo five-door hatch.

That starts with the matte bronze paintjob, contrasting with the gloss black roof and Myron accents on the molding, door handles, mirror caps, tail light bezels, skid plates, and grille. The 17-inch alloys are done up to match, the windows are tinted, and it comes with standard fog lights, black fabric interior upholstery, and a long list of optional equipment bundled as standard.

Not into the brown paintjob? The young, fashion-conscious customers at which this special edition is focused can also opt for white, grey, green, black, or another shade of bronze – with or without the black roof. Buyers will also be able to choose between the 1.4-liter gasoline engine or 1.3-liter diesel – both kicking out 95 hp (71 kW) – or the more potent 1.6-liter diesel with 120 hp (89 kW).

Despite appearances, the 500L has been a runaway success for Fiat in European markets, topping the overall sales charts in Italy and leading its segment in Serbia and Turkey. This special edition ought to further distinguish the retro-styled minivan, particularly in countries like Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, and Greece, where the 500L sits among the top three models in its segment.

The story is quite different in North America, though. Last month, FCA sold just 136 examples of the 500L in the United States, making it one of the company’s slowest sellers, behind only the Alfa Romeo 4C and discontinued models like the Dodge Dart and Jeep Patriot.