Fiat 500L Trekking 1.6 MTJ II 105 CV, test drive (Equipment, prices and review)

We continue with the test of the Fiat 500L Trekking, the most rugged variant. Specifically, we have tested the 500L Trekking with the 1.6 Multijet-II 105 CV diesel engine with the six-speed manual gearbox and the Start&Stop system. In the first part, we analysed the engine, performance and handling.

In the second part, we reviewed the exterior design, with its strong SUV character, and the spacious interior with an MPV feel. Now, in the third part, we turn to the equipment, including safety equipment, prices and our overall assessment of the car.

Equipment

First, we look at the standard safety equipment across the Fiat 500L Trekking range. The safety package consists of front, side and curtain airbags, hill start assist, stability control, ABS, fog lights, among other features.

An optional pack is available that combines automatic city braking and a driver’s knee airbag. Its price is just 326 euros, although both systems could be standard.

The range has three trims: Lite, Trekking and Beats. The Lite trim is new and makes the range more competitive in terms of price. As standard it features: matt black front and rear bumpers, chrome door handles, “Dualdrive” power steering with “City” function, air conditioning, CD/MP3 radio with a 5.4″ touchscreen and Bluetooth, multifunction leather steering wheel, ESP, Hill Holder, cruise control, 6 airbags, front electric windows and electric mirrors, adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, and 16″ steel wheels with hubcaps. The price is reduced by 750 euros.

The next level of equipment adds 17-inch wheels, four electric windows and rear parking sensors, among other features. Finally, there is the Beats Edition special edition, which improves the sound system and adds exterior touches specific to this version, such as the mirrors and red brake calipers, among other features.

Optional on our test unit was the dual-zone climate control, a completely dispensable extra, or the panoramic roof, which was practical because it let in a lot of light and can also be opened.

Prices

All these prices exclude offers and PIVE scrappage incentive. However, as a promotion, the Fiat 500L Trekking is available from 12,600 euros for the 95 CV petrol Trekking Lite (with PIVE and manufacturer financing).

• 500L Trekking Lite 1.4 16v 95 CV 17,900 euros
• 500L Trekking Lite 1.3 16v Multijet II 85 CV Start&Stop 19,500 euros
• 500L Trekking Lite 1.6 16v Multijet II 105 CV Start&Stop 21,000 euros
• 500L Trekking 1.4 16v 95 CV 18,650 euros
• 500L Trekking 0.9 Turbo TwinAir 105 CV Start&Stop 19,750 euros
• 500L Trekking 1.3 16v Multijet II 85 CV Start&Stop 20,250 euros
• 500L Trekking 1.6 16v Multijet II 105 CV Start&Stop 21,750 euros
• 500L Trekking 1.6 16v Multijet II 120 CV Start&Stop 22,550 euros
• 500L Beats 1.6 16v Multijet II 105 CV Start&Stop 23,650 euros
• 500L Beats 1.6 16v Multijet II 120 CV Start&Stop 24,450 euros

Personal assessment

The Fiat 500L Trekking has managed to combine the SUV look with the practicality of an MPV very well. That is its main asset: it is a spacious car, with certain limits when heading off-road (it only has a traction control programme, not a reduction gear or all-wheel drive), but it is more than sufficient for the kind of use these cars receive and is always a plus on snowy roads or muddy, low-grip tracks.

The engine is not a paragon of smoothness, but it responds when we press the accelerator, and its 105 CV is more than enough to move the 500L Trekking. It should also be noted that the handling prioritises comfort and therefore features soft suspension and certain inertia typical of its size, height and dimensions.

The equipment is fairly complete and the starting price is quite competitive, currently available from 12,600 euros (with PIVE and manufacturer financing). A similar competing model, the Peugeot 2008, is available from 14,040 euros (without Grip Control as standard), while other alternatives such as the Renault Captur are available from 12,450 euros with almost identical equipment and engine type to the 500L Trekking, but without the traction control system that the Italian car does have. In other words, it is well positioned in terms of value for money, especially when we take the offers into account.

Photos | Test team