Fiat is expanding the
depth of the new 500L by adding two engines from the FPT
portfolio that build the minivan's reach in different
directions, the 1.6 MultiJet II 105 HP turbodiesel
engine and the 0.9 TwinAir Turbo 105 HP petrol engine.
Both turbo charged and technologically evolved, the two
105 HP engines provide answers to the needs of a broad,
multifarious clientele with different inclinations, ages
and daily use needs of their cars. More specifically,
the 105 HP delivered by the 1.6 MultiJet II position
500L in the heart of the segment with an engine which is
"efficient" but also fun to drive by offering the best
of a diesel in terms of range and comfort and the
performance of second generation MultiJet technology.
The 105 HP of the 0.9 TwinAir are different and ideal
for customers who are concerned about reducing fuel
consumption and emissions particularly in cities. In
brief, this "aware and responsible" engine is
particularly appreciated in countries where the
ownership and use of high-emission cars are severely
restricted and highly taxed.
Combined with a manual six-speed gearbox - C514 for 0.9
TwinAir Turbo and C635 1.6 MultiJet II - the two Fiat
500L engines are low on emissions and fuel consumption
and with moderate performance, secure quantifiable
advantages to customers.
The 105 HP TwinAir is already available and the orders
are open for the 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet, which will be in
Fiat showrooms in the major European markets as from the
second half of March. The launch plan of the model
across Europe will be completed in right-drive countries
and will be started in North Africa by the end of the
month.
The commercial range of Fiat 500L in Europe is growing
together with its horsepower: indeed, the 100 and 120 HP
range covers 25% of the total sales of the segment. An
interesting range which will certainly contribute to
consolidating the performance of the 500L which in five
months has totalled approximately 38,300 orders in
Europe, over half of which are from outside of Italy.
Particularly in Italy, it is the best-selling medium
sized car and ranks second among the diesels. What is
more, even before the entire launch plan has been
completed across Europe, Fiat 500L is the only model to
be experiencing a constant rise in its segment in
Europe, despite the difficult economy of the continent.
Interestingly, 57% of 500L customers come from other
brands and 61% from very different vehicles types among
them: 37% from the B segment, 16% from the C segment and
8% from the A segment. This points to the fact that 500L
is a trans-segment car that satisfies a large clientele
with different inclinations, age and daily use needs of
their cars. For instance, the functional features of the
Fiat City Lounge appeal to the adult families, or empty
nesters, who are most traditional customers of the
higher segment models because they want functional,
roomy and comfortable cars.
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