Ask Me Anything: 2016 Fiat 500L Easy

[William Maley]

It has been quite awhile since we did an interactive review (two years). But I thought it was time to bring it back. You might have questions for a particular vehicle and I can do my best to answer them. It also gives you guys a preview of what will be coming round the car review docket.

So let us begin with this week's test vehicle - the 2015 Fiat 500L Easy. This is the biggest model in the Fiat lineup (until the Fiat 500X hits dealers), which really isn't saying a lot. I haven't spent a lot time driving the 500L since it came yesterday because I was feeling a bit sick. But I did spend some time poking around 500L and can give some thoughts.

• Not quite sure about the 500L's looks. I think some of this is due to the red paint and the standard wheels on the Easy model. I would go for the Trekking model as it swaps wheels and adds some body cladding to make it slightly better to look at.
  
• The interior feels very spacious thanks to the large amount of glass used on the 500L. Feels very airy.
  
• Chrysler's UConnect system is present and quite easy to use. Unlike other Chrysler models, the 500L uses a 6-inch screen. I find it quite easy to use and look at a glance.
  
• I do want to smack the designer who decided to put the HVAC controls way down in the center stack - they're hard to reach and glance at.
  
• The back seat mostly earns positive marks. Fiat raised the seats to allow passengers a better view, and legroom is quite excellent. The downside is headroom. My 5'8" frame was touching the roof liner, so taller passengers will have to crick their head if they want to feel comfortable. This is due to my tester being equipped with a panoramic sunroof.
  
• Base price of the 500L Easy is $20,545. My tester rings in $26,895 thanks to two options. A six-speed automatic for $1,350 and the Easy Collection 4 package which includes UConnect, sunroof, Beats audio system, dual-zone climate control, and other features for $4,100.
  

I'll be updating this throughout the week with more impressions and answers to your questions.

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[regfootball]

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.

[William Maley]

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.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

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.

[Drew Dowdell]

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

[David]

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!

[William Maley]

 

 

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.

[William Maley]

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.

[William Maley]

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.

[Drew Dowdell]

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

[William Maley]

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.

[Drew Dowdell]

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

[William Maley]

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.

[regfootball]

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.