Fiat 500 and the L word...

Fiat have launched yet another variant of the ever-popular Fiat 500 at the glitzy Geneva motor show. Fiat believe that the ‘extended’ 500L adds a new dimension to the popular small car and will increase the audience range by becoming more of a family car.

The Fiat 500 is widely acknowledged as the main rival to challenge Mini and some industry spectators see the 500L as an alternative to the new Mini Countryman SUV.

You could argue, as some seem to be doing, that in an extended form the 500L compromises the pleasing lines and visual appeal of the 500 but I don't think it does. Surprisingly I actually think this works rather well!

Incase you were wondering, the L stands for 'large' and follows the Abarth, Cabrio and Gucci versions into the 500 range.

The glass roof is a particularly nice touch and I look forward to a test drive at my local Fiat dealer when the 500 L launches in the UK this year.