Fiat 500L facelift claims 40 percent new components for 2018
Fiat refreshes the 500L MPV for 2018 with revised styling, updated interior tech and a claim that 40 percent of its parts are new, though changes are mostly subtle.
Fiat has updated the 500L for 2018, claiming that 40 percent of the car’s components are new as part of a mid-life refresh. The changes cover exterior styling, interior equipment and technology, but the overall shape and character of the MPV remain familiar.
The 500L’s facelift follows Fiat’s strategy of evolving its 500 family rather than replacing it outright. Although the company highlights the 40 percent figure, many of the new parts are not immediately visible. The exterior updates include chrome-plated accents on the upper headlights, a new LED daytime running light signature referencing the double zero in ‘500’, and a revised lower grille with a studded chrome mesh. At the rear, fog and reversing lights have been repositioned and further chrome detailing added.
Fiat now offers 37 colour combinations for the 500L, including a new Bellagio Blue paint and a choice of three roof finishes: white or matte black, glossy black, or body-coloured. Buyers can choose from Urban, Cross and Wagon trims. The Cross version gets new two-tone 17-inch wheels, chunkier bumpers and a Mode Selector for different driving conditions.
Interior and technology changes
Fiat describes the interior as ‘completely new’, but the changes are mostly evolutionary. The steering wheel has been redesigned, the instrument cluster now features two round dials with a 3.5-inch digital display, and the gear lever has been repositioned for easier reach. The seven-inch Uconnect infotainment system is standard, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Cross trim adds a Mode Selector for off-road settings.
Personalisation remains a focus, with 92 Mopar accessories available. Options include a 520-watt Beats audio system and various styling upgrades. The range of features and trims is intended to broaden the 500L’s appeal in a segment that has seen increased competition from crossovers and compact SUVs.
Engine line-up and technical details
The 2018 500L continues with a wide range of engines. Petrol choices include a 1.4-litre with 95hp and a 120hp version. The 0.9-litre TwinAir is available with 105hp, and there are bi-fuel versions of both the 1.4-litre TJet (120hp, compatible with petrol and LPG) and the 0.9-litre TwinAir (85hp, petrol and methane). Diesel options are the 1.3-litre MultiJet with 95hp and the 1.6-litre MultiJet with 120hp.
- 1.4-litre petrol (95hp, 120hp)
- 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol (105hp)
- 1.4-litre TJet bi-fuel (120hp, petrol/LPG)
- 0.9-litre TwinAir bi-fuel (85hp, petrol/methane)
- 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel (95hp)
- 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel (120hp)
Transmission options and emissions figures vary by market, but Fiat positions the 500L as a practical MPV with a wide range of powertrains to suit different needs. The facelift does not introduce any new engines, but the existing line-up is carried over with updates to meet current regulations.
Position in Fiat’s line-up
The 500L remains central to Fiat’s European strategy, sitting between the smaller 500 and the crossover-style 500X. The update is intended to keep the model competitive as buyers shift towards small SUVs and crossovers. For more on Fiat’s broader strategy and its efforts to compete with rivals like Dacia, see Fiat Targets Dacia’s Formula with New Tipo Compact Range.
