It doesn't sound like much: An extra 27.7 inches of length, nearly 6 more inches of height, two additional doors and four more panels of window glass on a small car badged “Fiat 500L.”
But the not-quite-14-foot-long, four-door 2014 Fiat 500L is a unique small ride — odd to some, stylish to others and more spacious inside than just about anyone expects.
The interior airy feel — some might liken it to riding in a bubble — is especially noticeable when the interior is splashed with outside light from a roof-size, optional, power sunroof.
Also noteworthy: The 500L's high seat positions and big door openings that make for easy entry and exit. These can make the 500L comfortable for someone suffering back pain and who winces at the thought of getting in and out of a regular car.
Best of all, this largest version of a car badged as a Fiat 500 to come to America is affordably priced.
While the 500L carries the 500 name, it uses a different “small-wide” architecture than the smaller Fiat 500, so it's not exactly a blimped-up 500.
Another distinction: The 500L is built in Serbia, not the Mexico assembly plant that produces the 500 for U.S. drivers.
Inside, the 500L shows both styling innovation — with its “hip” modern seats, intriguing shapes and sizing for such things as parking brake lever and steering wheel — and amazing roominess.
When rear, split seats fold down and out of the way, cargo space in the 500L nearly doubles.
Rear-seat legroom can be impressive, too. Three passengers can sit in back and all have adjustable head restraints.
The ride is firm but can be noisy, with the engine readily heard. In curves and turns, there's body lean.
Ann M. Job is an Associated Press contributor.
