2018 Fiat 500L gets a subtle refresh

Fiat’s 500L recently received an update which, Fiat claims, has changed 40% of the 500L’s components. But visually, it’s not that easy to spot all the differences.

The 2018 Fiat 500L is now fitted with slightly modified upper headlights that come with chrome plated accents. A set of “O” shaped LED DRLs are also added to the front fascia. The lower grill is dotted with chrome studs that give the 500L an upmarket feel. An extra chrome slat on the radiator grill is another subtle decoration to the otherwise bland front fascia of the 500L. The more rugged 500L Cross will get a new set of 17-inch wheels and skid plates on its bumpers.

More chrome has been added at the rear to liven up the looks. The fog and reversing lights are now shifted to the lower bumper. Finding a color combination for the Fiat 500L is not a straightforward affair as it offers 37 color combinations along with three different kinds of roofs (white or matte black, glossy black, body-colored).

Though Fiat describes the interior to be “completely new”, the changes in it seem minimal. The steering has been updated by accenting it with chrome. A new instrument cluster with two round gauges and a 3.5-inch display in the middle is positioned right behind the wheel. The gear lever is also positioned higher. The 7-inch Uconnect infotainment system offers connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 500L Cross model will also get a new Mode selector.

The petrol engine options include a 1.4-litre petrol engine that produces 95 hp, a 120 hp 1.4-litre and the famed 105hp 0.9-litre TwinAir engine. A 120hp 1.4-litre T-Jet engine that runs on both petrol and LPG is also an option. The aforementioned TwinAir engine will also run on two fuels, petrol, and methane. The 1.3-litre MultiJet with 95 hp and the 1.6-litre MultiJet with 120 hp takes are the diesel options.

The Fiat 500L has been discontinued for the UAE and other GCC markets, but who knows, it may show up in the future again.