Discussion
Has this been mentioned on here yet? Seems a bit odd. 
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fiat/500/63746/fiat-5...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fiat/500/63746/fiat-5...
we actually looked at one as the mrs fancies a mini SUV type thing-Jesus they're horrendous!& we actually like the little 500!
Made us certain that we'll be buying the countryman which I hated the idea of but is actually a good little car for her once you get over the looks/principle.
Perfect description.We own a 500 Twin Air for pootling around London. One Saturday, Mrs Blib and I popped into our local Fiat garage to check out the XL as Mrs Blib likes cars with a high seating position. But, is of the opinion that soft roaders are the work of the devil.
I'd only seen a couple of XLs on the roads and I thought that they looked horrendous. So, I really didn't think that anything would come from our visit.
However....
Once you get past the "challenging" looks and check it out, the car really is a good little package. Interior space is excellent. I am six feet tall and with the front seat as far back as possible, I had loads of leg room - and head room - in the back. The cabin is light and airy with a full length glass roof option and Mrs Blib really enjoyed driving the 1.3 diesel 4x4 auto version. She especially liked the light but responsive steering. All round vision, so important in a town car, is excellent.
Parked side by side, it looks only a little bit longer than the 500. As a town car, I'd say it's ideal for a family with a couple of kids - there is a seven seater version available too.
Much to my surprise, I was completely sold on the car. As was Mrs Blib. Especially when she learnt that the car can be optioned in yellow.
And of course, once you are sat in it, you can't see how it looks.
We'll probably buy one in the near future.
I'd only seen a couple of XLs on the roads and I thought that they looked horrendous. So, I really didn't think that anything would come from our visit.
However....
Once you get past the "challenging" looks and check it out, the car really is a good little package. Interior space is excellent. I am six feet tall and with the front seat as far back as possible, I had loads of leg room - and head room - in the back. The cabin is light and airy with a full length glass roof option and Mrs Blib really enjoyed driving the 1.3 diesel 4x4 auto version. She especially liked the light but responsive steering. All round vision, so important in a town car, is excellent.
Parked side by side, it looks only a little bit longer than the 500. As a town car, I'd say it's ideal for a family with a couple of kids - there is a seven seater version available too.
Much to my surprise, I was completely sold on the car. As was Mrs Blib. Especially when she learnt that the car can be optioned in yellow.
And of course, once you are sat in it, you can't see how it looks.
We'll probably buy one in the near future.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Not seen an XL in the (acres of) flesh yet, thank f
k. Buying one should be considered a crime against humanity IMO.
Not seen an XL in the (acres of) flesh yet, thank f
k. Buying one should be considered a crime against humanity IMO. 
Bill said:
Autoexpress would though wouldnt they.I was given a 500L as a hire car in Spain - it looked ridiculous and shouldn't use the 500 name. The XL is even worse.
Not wanting a 500L I asked for a Seat Leon and was quoted an upgrade charge of €5 a day. The guy next to me had a Seat Leon and was offered a 500L for an upgrade fee of €5 a day. How does that work?
Not wanting a 500L I asked for a Seat Leon and was quoted an upgrade charge of €5 a day. The guy next to me had a Seat Leon and was offered a 500L for an upgrade fee of €5 a day. How does that work?
To me, it seems a huge disappointment that this hideous car has carried on the 500 name. The small 'new' 500 is fine, but how in anyway is this new XL anything like the old cars. Same with the Mini Countryman. My mum has just bought the countryman brand new 2 months ago. She is already getting rid of the car as it is awful, and dangerous to drive. I think these new bigger cars should not carry on the name. Ruins the whole model.
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