Five years of success, three variations, many (controlled) upgrades. On paper 40% of the components of the Turin brand’s urban MPV are new, but what the eye picks out above all is a skilful effort to redefine details, without altering that neo-retro flavour that has reaped such plaudits since 2012. In Europe, 25% of those looking for a family car around 4.2 metres (SUVs excluded) go for it. A further 25% prefer it in its Trekking trim, “tainted” by hints of off-road splendour.
This is why the restyling is above all an opportunity to structure the range according to three aesthetic-functional variants: Urban (i.e. the traditional 500 L), Cross (the “new Trekking”, even more vigorously crossover) and Family (the former Living, with long tail and five or seven seats). For all of them, a sprinkling of makeup comes with barely a hint of added touches in the interests of practicality. “For the nose we took our inspiration from the 500 universe”, explains Danilo Tosetti of the Fiat Style Centre. “Led daytime running lights mark out the zero of the number, while the lower air intake gets broader, acquiring more aggression on the Cross. Finally, new chrome strips recalling the blade-type bumpers of yesteryear make their appearance and are repeated on the sides and tail”.
In the cockpit the change, albeit slight, affects versatility: “The centre console is equipped with more practical storage compartments, repositioned climate controls and the rather higher gear lever”, says Alga Zaharescu, interior designer. “Moreover, the instrumentation is now graphically better and physically separate from the rest of the dash, with a dedicated lid”.
Thanks to the unchanged price, the recipe for even happier families seems very inviting.
