Fiat 500 gets large

The Bambino will be joined by a bigger sibling at this year's Geneva motor show

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Fiat is extending the 500 range with the introduction of the 500L model. The L -- for Large -- will appear at Fiat's stand at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, alongside the Abarth and Cabrio versions.

The 500L has its roots in Fiat's original 'mini peoplemover', the 600 Multipla from the '50s and '60s with cab-forward design. The five-door hatchback is due to replace the Idea model, sold in Europe and South America, which boasts versatile interior packaging to make the most of the available cabin space.

The 500L is 4140mm long, 1780mm wide and 1660mm high, with room for five passengers. It will be available in Europe late this year and offered with either Fiat's TwinAir or 1.4-litre petrol engines, or the 1.3-litre MultiJet II diesel.

Fiat says the addition of the larger 500 furthers its "strategy of extending its product offer to owners by introducing models in different positions within existing market sectors to more fully satisfy different types of customers."

The fourth model presents as a "first car for those who won't settle for anything less than Italian style", says Fiat.

Current distributor for the brand in Australia, Ateco has not made a decision on whether the 500L will be available in local showrooms. Public Relations manager Edward Rowe told motoring.com.au that the key issue for vehicles such as the 500L is that no firm market for mini peoplemovers currently exists in Australia, whereas it is strong in places like Europe -- where Fiat is recognised as the inventor of the segment.

Brands with the potential to bring mini peoplemovers here include Citroen, with the C3 Picasso, and Opel with the Meriva. Spokeswoman for Opel, Michelle Lang told motoring.com.au that her company's launch schedule had been established for the next 12 or so months, and the Meriva was "not on the agenda for the foreseeable future".

Meanwhile, Mr Rowe suggested that if the 500L were to arrive in Australia buyers would not see it until Q3 next year. In our favour: "It's got the right engine [range] and has a self-shifter..." he said.

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