Ask Me Anything: 2016 Fiat 500L Easy

having driven these,

not bad and appealing from a space and function standpoint.

lots of turbo lag though, and lots of major issues with their DCT.  I think FCA ordered up newer ones to mate to the regular six speed from now on.

These things have a horrible rap for quality already.  I wonder if it will catch up with them.  Otherwise to me it would be possibly on a list to consider in future.

lots of turbo lag though, and lots of major issues with their DCT.  I think FCA ordered up newer ones to mate to the regular six speed from now on.

 

These things have a horrible rap for quality already.  I wonder if it will catch up with them.  Otherwise to me it would be possibly on a list to consider in future.

I haven't noticed any turbo-lag in my tester, and yes newer 500Ls do have a six-speed automatic. Although I have found that the programming is somewhat screwy as the transmission tends to hold onto gears much longer that I think it should.

I have an update tomorrow on some first impressions.

 

lots of turbo lag though, and lots of major issues with their DCT.  I think FCA ordered up newer ones to mate to the regular six speed from now on.

 

These things have a horrible rap for quality already.  I wonder if it will catch up with them.  Otherwise to me it would be possibly on a list to consider in future.

 

I haven't noticed any turbo-lag in my tester, and yes newer 500Ls do have a six-speed automatic. Although I have found that the programming is somewhat screwy as the transmission tends to hold onto gears much longer that I think it should.

I have an update tomorrow on some first impressions.

 

How is road/engine/wind noise at speed?  The Fiats I've driven have been loud.

Also, I think the 500X is smaller than the 500L

How is the initial first impression when you get in and close the door? Every time I get in one, it sounds like a cheap tin can and rattles, noise, etc. Just screams YUGO!

 

 

lots of turbo lag though, and lots of major issues with their DCT.  I think FCA ordered up newer ones to mate to the regular six speed from now on.

 

These things have a horrible rap for quality already.  I wonder if it will catch up with them.  Otherwise to me it would be possibly on a list to consider in future.

 

I haven't noticed any turbo-lag in my tester, and yes newer 500Ls do have a six-speed automatic. Although I have found that the programming is somewhat screwy as the transmission tends to hold onto gears much longer that I think it should.

I have an update tomorrow on some first impressions.

 

 

How is road/engine/wind noise at speed?  The Fiats I've driven have been loud.

 

The 500L with wind and road noise is quite excellent. I did some highway driving over the past couple of days and was surprised how quiet it was when compared to the 500C I drove a few weeks back. Engine noise is somewhat apparent, but it doesn't bug me.

Also, I think the 500X is smaller than the 500L

I just looked up the spec sheets on both models and they are almost the same size in length and width.

How is the initial first impression when you get in and close the door? Every time I get in one, it sounds like a cheap tin can and rattles, noise, etc. Just screams YUGO!

I was surprised by how well built it was - that should be expected for a 3,000 mile example. No rattles or noises.

The 500x must be a squished 500L then.... the L looks taller

So I spent a few days in the 500L and I have to say I'm really impressed. Aside from the looks which I'm still not feeling, the rest of the car is really impressive. The engine is quite punchy and responsive. Ride is comfortable and quiet. I like the interior and most of the dashboard layout - aside from the HVAC controls which I complained about my original post.

One issue I do have is with the optional six-speed automatic. It doesn't seem its perfectly matched to the 1.4T as the transmission doesn't shift till it reaches 3,000+ rpm. I'm wondering if this is an issue with this car or something else.

Now I have this car for a couple more days, so if you have questions, get them in now.

Is there a sport mode in the transmission? Try that and see what happens to the shift points.

Is there a sport mode in the transmission? Try that and see what happens to the shift points.

There is not. I have been using the manumatic mode to make it a little bit better.

Transmission electrical airbags stalling consumer reports least reliable. Fiat forums are a bit of a hoot to read.

500x I think is a squashed 500l. Might even have the same dash.

Also some good fiat forums on the turbo lag. Maybe it's only evident on the stick or Dct.