Fiat to offer two spinoff models based on the 500L for 2014

Fiat unveiled two new versions of its popular 500L in its home market a couple months ago, the 500L Living and 500L Trekking editions, both designed for different audiences. While the 500L Trekking will have adventure in mind, offering a taller ride height and protective bumpers, the 500L Living will be an ideal car for young families. For the 2014 model year, Fiat will be offering both of these in the U.S.

Fiat
The 500L Trekking is designed with adventure in mind.

The 500L Trekking is designed with a little more outdoor fun in mind than the standard 500L, and is distinguished visually from the 500L Living by a taller ride height and distinctive bumpers. The Trekking version is further set apart by other details, such as larger 17-inch wheels, brushed steel side moldings, and satin finish door handles.

The 500L Trekking will start at $21,995 and will be offered in six exterior colors, plus three roof color options including black, white, and body color. Aluminum wheels will be standard, along with premium cloth low-bucket seats. A dual-panel power sunroof will be optional, as will a Beats Premium Audio sound system with Sirius XM radio.

Fiat
The larger cabin will be a boon for young families in the 500L Living, with space for 7.

The 500L Living is designed to be a family car, and will offer the flexibility of third-row seating, perhaps a surprise in a car this small. But the 500L is about the size of a small wagon, being 171.2 inches long, and a very tall wagon at that. The 500L Living will be the most compact 5 + 2-seat MPV in its category, Fiat claims. The 500L Living won't be short on cargo space either, as it will offer 22.5 cubic feet of space in the back. Perhaps the most notable difference between the standard 500L and the Living is that the latter is 8.2 inches longer than the standard 500L.

The 500L Living will start at $24,995 and will be available with a six-speed Euro Twin Automatic Clutch Transmission with the AutoStick feature. The 500L Living will include all the features available in the Trekking model, in addition to chrome exterior mirrors, as well as door handles and body side molding inserts. In terms of luxury and convenience features, everything you would expect is there, including leather seats, a navigation system, and a backup camera. Sixteen-inch wheels will be standard, though 17-inch optional aluminum wheels will also be available in three styles.

By Jay Ramey