Test: Fiat 500L 1.4 16v Pop Star
Content
Let me tell you a story right at the beginning. As a group of journalists before the New Year, we drove to the plant in Kragujevac and departed from Ljubljana in about seven Fiat 500Ls. On the border with Serbia, the customs officer was the first in the convoy to ask me where we were going. When I told him the destination, he seriously asked me: "Something is wrong, and you are taking them back?" In Kragujevac, you can feel that you belong to a new partner who has revived the region. Apart from Orthodox crosses, the city's roundabouts are decorated only with sculptures and Fiat flags.
Let's go to the car. We wrote several times that the new 500L retained only the name from the small 500. Fiat hoped that the “fashionable” mularium delivered to the “Five Hundred” would grow, some would have a family, and it was time to replace the car. Therefore, they offer them a package of charm, tradition and retrospectives in a slightly larger form. Much larger form.
The 500L is a full six centimeters longer than the 500. (Inside, this booth should be eight inches longer.) The numbers do not represent a real sense of spaciousness compared to the little brother, whose design was not based on spaciousness, as in this case. Fiat notes that all the elements in the cabin are designed to increase spaciousness, or at least a sense of spaciousness. Of course, due to this ideology, it is difficult to achieve a very pleasant external image. Here, too, we must admit that the square look is not imperceptible. However, we are not entirely sure that the face of the younger brother fits into a one-room apartment. But let's face it, maybe Italians set new fashion trends, and these things come to us with a delay. You know, just like clothes.
Let's go inside. The combination of white glossy plastic and black matte plastic works very nicely and not cheaply. The joints and finishes are beautifully crafted, there are no cracks or joints that do not creak anywhere.
There is a lot of storage space: there are two wide drawers in each door, two cans in the middle tunnel, a small drawer under the air-conditioning control (which goes well with the tire), and a large one in front of the passenger, and a slightly smaller but cooled drawer above him. The front seats (more specifically the armchairs) are quite wide in the seats and provide very little lateral support. The front passenger seat folds into a table and, with the rear seat folded down, allows you to carry items up to 2,4 meters long (this is called the Ikea standard because Ikea packaging must not be longer than 2,4 meters).
The trunk is almost four times larger than the small Fiat 500 (400 liters). An interesting solution is a double bottom partition that allows you to hide some items under the shelf. The driving position is excellent: the steering wheel is shifted in depth and lies pleasantly in the hands, the longitudinal is quite long, and the headroom is huge. A large number of glass surfaces also contribute to the feeling of spaciousness. For example, the A-pillar is doubled and glazed, which also helps to reduce blind spots.
The back bench is movable and (as already mentioned) foldable. Parents using ISOFIX child seats will curse the way the rear seat belts are fastened, as the seat belt buckle has to be pressed deep into the seat where the pin is hidden. We're pretty sure none of Fiat's engineers tried to lock a child in a seat before they approved the production of the car. But they definitely have good nerves, as the seat belt warning buzzes continuously at the slightest movement of the car. Competent.
Already at the presentation of the Fiat 500L, we wrote that the current choice of engines is rather meager. They offer two petrol and one diesel engines. "Our" was equipped with a 1,4-liter gasoline engine. It is also not necessary to get into a car to make it clear that such an engine is too weak for such a car. Otherwise, he does his job, but if it's not quite a descent, it constantly seems to him that he is trying too hard. It is not a pleasure to drive a car with gasoline, which has only two positions: "on" and "off". Of course, this can be seen in the consumption.
When the speedometer showed 130 km / h (at 3.500 rpm in sixth gear), the trip computer showed a consumption of nine liters per 100 kilometers, while the consumption at 90 km / h (2.500 rpm in sixth gear) was about 6,5 , 100 liters for every XNUMX km. XNUMX kilometers. It is good that the engine is assisted by an excellently calculated six-speed transmission. It is true, however, that the engine lineup will soon be complemented by more powerful turbo diesel, petrol and gas engines. The fuel system without opening the plug is commendable.
The equipment packages are very varied and adapted to different tastes. As with the 500, the 500L can also be precisely tailored to personal taste with a variety of stylish accessories. We tested the Pop Star hardware suite, which is an updated version of the mid-range hardware. So, with some accessories, it accentuates the look and provides a little more comfort on the inside.
The center of all information and consumer electronics is in the Uconnect multimedia system. It is difficult to blame for the work of this, since the control is simple and effective. Those who like to enjoy the fun of finding the most economical way to drive can follow up on this skill with the eco: Drive Live system, which should be a kind of personal trainer for this type of driving. Of course, you can then export all the data via a USB stick and compare it with the data of other users of this function.
Riding the extended Five Hundred is generally very enjoyable. The driving position and the precise steering mechanism make you want to find the exact boundary between turns. There is a slight slope in the corners, considering that this is a family minivan. However, the chassis still absorbs wheel shock well.
Since we opened the test by accident, it should end in the same way. This time on the way back from Kragujevac. The same border crossing, another customs officer. He asks why this "their" product is for. I tell him that this is a really good car. And he answers me: "Well, apart from beautiful women, we create at least something good in this country."
Text: Sasa Kapetanovic
Fiat 500L 1.4 16V Pop star
Basic data
| Sales: | Avto Triglav doo |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 14.990 € |
| Test model cost: | 17.540 € |
| Power: | 70kW (95 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 13,5 with |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 8,1l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2 years general and mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 8 years rust warranty. |
| Systematic review | 30.000 km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 496 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 12.280 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.091 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 9.187 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.040 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 4.110 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 29.204 0,29 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - transversely mounted at the front - bore and stroke 72 × 84 mm - displacement 1.368 cm³ - compression ratio 11,1:1 - maximum power 70 kW (95 hp) ) at 6.000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 16,8 m / s - specific power 51,2 kW / l (69,6 hp / l) - maximum torque 127 Nm at 4.500 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (toothed belt) - 4 valves per cylinder. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel motor drives - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 4,100; II. 2,158 hours; III. 1,345 hour; IV. 0,974; V. 0,766; VI. 0,646 - Differential 4,923 - Wheels 7 J × 17 - Tires 225/45 R 18, rolling circumference 1,91 m. |
| Capacity: | 178 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 12,8 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 8,3/5,0/6,2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 145 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,9 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.245 kg - Permissible total weight: 1.745 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.000 kg, without brake: 400 kg - Permissible roof load: 100 kg. |
| External dimensions: | vehicle width 1.784 mm, front track 1.522 mm, rear track 1.519 mm, ground clearance 11,1 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | front width 1.510 mm, rear 1.480 mm - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 470 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 50 l. |
| Box: | The spaciousness of the bed, measured from AM with a standard set of 5 Samsonite scoops (scanty 278,5 liters): 5 seats: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L), 1 suitcase (85,5 L), 1 suitcase (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 L). |
| Standard equipment: | driver and front passenger airbags - side airbags - curtain airbags - ISOFIX mounts - ABS - ESP - power steering - air conditioning - front power windows - electrically adjustable rear-view mirrors - multifunction steering wheel - central locking with remote control - steering wheel with adjustable height and depth - height adjustable driver's seat - separate rear seat - on-board computer. |
Our measurements
| T = 1 ° C / p = 998 mbar / rel. vl. = 75% / Tires: Continental ContiWinterContact 225/45 / R 17 W / odometer status: 2.711 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 13,5s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 18,8 years ( 117 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 13,2 / 24,2s (IV/V) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 27,4 / 32,1s (Sun./Fri.) |
| Maximum speed: | 170km / h (Sun./Fri.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 7,9l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 8,3l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 8,1 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 80,9m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 44,5m |
| AM table: | 41m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 61dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 57dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 63dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 62dB |
| Idling noise: | 37dB |
Overall rating (310/420)
In fact, with a better choice of motor, this Five Hundred could reach points that are safe in a Grade 4 shelter. That's how he just got caught on the tail.
Exterior (10/15)
The rather boxy body gave the face a sympathetic little brother.
Interior (103/140)
The feeling is that there would be enough room for a sixth passenger if there were enough seats. For Fiat, a surprisingly good choice of materials and precise workmanship.
Engine, transmission (49
/ 40)The engine is the weakest point of this car, which, unfortunately, relegates it to the background in the fight against competitors.
Driving performance (57
/ 95)Pretty well tuned chassis. Even if we get into corners, he responds surprisingly well.
Performance (19/35)
Another column where the 500L lost a lot of points due to the engine.
Security (35/45)
Five-star EuroNCAP, no "more advanced" systems, but basically a fairly safe package of active and passive safety.
Economy (37/50)
Since the gas is controlled more or less according to the "on" and "off" system, this is also noticeable in the consumption.
We praise and reproach
open space
flexibility of elements in the interior
materials
production
fuel tank cap without plug
driving position
weak engine
insufficient lateral grip on the seats
annoying beep when the seat belt is unfastened
how to fasten a seat belt in the back seat
poor closing of the tailgate
consumption
