2014 Fiat 500L
There is saying here that “everything is bigger in Texas”. Well to the rest of the world, everything seems bigger in America. And for the Fiat 500 to really be a success here in the states, it was a given that the line-up would have to expand, with additional models and additional size. Well, both are now realized in the boxy Fiat 500L. So, let’s find out if that other saying “bigger is better” is also true.
The 2014 Fiat 500L is a multi-purpose vehicle clearly designed with the youngest of families in mind: parents that desire a unique and stylish ride yet still need room for all of the equipment that seems to accompany just about any family outing.
As for what MPV-like space does for the quirky style of the 500, well it looks as if it has entered its awkward teenage years where all of the parts don’t quite seem to fit.
To be fair, neither of its main urban utility rivals, the Kia Soul or Mini Countryman, are great beauties either. But, the 500L really calls for a double take with details like split A-pillars and bug-eye headlights.
The 500L architecture is unique, not at all a stretched version of the 500 hatchback. It’s over 2-feet longer, with 12.2-inches of additional wheelbase. The chassis will also support Jeep’s forthcoming Renegade CUV.
Our 500L also sported a funky 2-tone, almost Taxi-like, Trekking theme. Though it’s far from the extreme compared to some of the color options that are available.
On the really weird front, Europeans can opt for an onboard espresso maker for their 500L. We won’t be getting that option, or the 3-row version. Imagine that, European cars have gone from not even having cup holders to having in car coffee brewing.
Regardless, while it is a much bigger 500, it’s still relatively small compared to most on the road. That allows for a surprisingly refined and quite European driving experience. A relaxed cruiser on the highway that can also handle switchbacks nicely.
Only one engine is available, and how you feel about it largely depends on which transmission is attached to it. It’s the turbo version of Fiat’s 1.4-liter MultiAir I4, here producing 160-horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque.
If you choose to go the automatic route, you’ll get a 6-speed twin clutch transmission that’s clunky, herky/jerky nature had most of our staff wishing for a true automatic. If you don’t mind doing the shifting yourself, the standard 6-speed manual makes for a much better experience, and helps the engine at least feel more powerful.
With the twin clutch tranny at the track, it’s hard to tell whether you’re waiting for the turbo to kick in or just waiting for the engine to hit its power band. But it’s not until you get the RPMs up that power comes on pretty strongly. It took a full 9.0-seconds to hit 60; and 17.0 to run out the quarter mile at 85 miles-per-hour.
And as for our handling course, we confirmed our on-road impressions. While the 500L is definitely tuned for comfort, it proved to be quite a lot of fun when dodging cones. Steering, though lacking in feel, is very direct; body roll is minimal, for what looks like a top heavy vehicle; and the chassis has a nimble feel with very little computer intervention.
Brakes were not quite as impressive, as we did see some fade and only an average stopping distance of 128-feet from 60. But, it remained very stable.
Even if you’re a starting center for your basketball team, you’ll find plenty of head and leg room inside, though the seats are flat and a bit short for long distance comfort. Visibility is great all around, and that includes a rear seat child minding mirror. There is clearly a minivan feel to the interior that includes room for 68.0 cubic-ft. of cargo.
Most of our testers liked the “aero” vibe to the cockpit. The layout is far more “normal” than the 500 hatchback. And that extends to spread out, easier to read gauges.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 24-City, 33-Highway, and 27-Combined. We averaged a very good 28.8 miles-per-gallon, but of Premium. The Energy Impact Score is better than average at 12.2-barrels of yearly oil use with CO2 emissions of 5.4-tons.
There are four 500L trim levels, covering a pretty decent range of prices, starting at $19,995 for Pop trim and going to $25,195 for Lounge, with our Trekking nestled in between at $22,195.
Being the first passenger vehicle available here in that is assembled in Serbia is just another thing that makes the 2014 Fiat 500L “different”. Like the slightly smaller Kia Soul, and Mini Countryman, the 500L packs a lot of space, comfort, and utility into a small, family friendly package. And that may be just what it takes for Fiat to really gain a foothold here, and hang on to it.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.4-liter MultiAir I4
- Horsepower: 160
- Torque: 184 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 17.0 seconds @ 85 mph
- EPA: 24 mpg city/ 33 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 12.2 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 5.4 tons/yr
2025 Subaru WRX tS
Subaru’s “World Rally eXperimental” Gets Tecnica-Tuned Tech
Building on its global rally heritage, WRX has been a standalone Subaru nameplate, marketed separately from garden variety Impreza, for two generations now. And while the current WRX still lacks the full STI treatment, this WRX tS serves up some of that high-performance spice we’ve been longing for.
Before we go flat out into our Track Test of this 2025 Subaru WRX tS, lets open the Subaru dictionary so we’re all on the same page. “tS” stands for “tuned by STI;” and “STI” is an acronym for “Subaru Tecnica International,” the brand’s high-performance sub-group best known for upgrading the WRX— oh, that stands for “World Rally eXperimental,” in case you didn’t know.
All that said, STI has been largely dormant for this WRX generation, but this tS sprinkles more of their engineering magic into the mix. No, that doesn’t mean extra power, but does mean significant chassis-related improvements.
First, electronically controlled dampers, adjustable through the 11.6-inch tablet-style infotainment screen. That meant a softer “comfort” mode on the 10+ hour commute to and from Savannah’s Roebling Road Raceway. But once we were there, it was the firmer “Sport+” setting all the way, heightening response from the WRX’s throttle and already quick dual-pinion power steering system. There’s still some body roll for rally-esque weight transfer, but it’s well sorted and provides the “toss-ability” you want in a WRX.
Though if you do autocross your tS, which we implore you to do, you might feel the six-piston front, two-piston rear Brembo brakes first. The bite is strong, giving good rotation in the corners and plenty of “halt” for this 3,400 lb. compact with minimal fade, keeping us on track all week…until some unfortunate winter weather passed overhead. No worries here, as Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system got us to the track for some powdered deserts: Frosted donuts served up Michelin style, a set of winter tires different from the grippy Bridgestone Potenza S007 rubber the tS typically rides on. Some prior hot laps of California’s Sonoma Raceway gave credence to those Bridgestones, and showed us what this hot-compact can do in ideal conditions.
It’s well sorted and provides the “toss-ability” you want in a WRX.
Other tS enhancements are cabin-based, namely these beautiful blue Recaros. Most of our staff appreciated their moderately-aggressive bolstering on both street and track. And they’re even heated, too. Another tS-only appointment is this 12.3-inch digital gauge display. It mimics the standard analog gauges with some additional info, but can switch to a navigation mode for more convenient route guidance.
We do wish our tS came in the new Galaxy Purple or the trademark World Rally Blue, but this Crystal White paint wasn’t too shabby, contrasting its Cherry Blossom Red badging and blacked-out lip spoiler. Otherwise, the tS is like any other WRX, down to the hood scoop funneling air to the top-mounted intercooler.
Underneath is the same turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in all other trims, boxing at 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The freak winter weather stopped straight-line testing, but a 0-60 time estimate of 5.5 seconds is about as spry as you realistically need, pulling strong through most of the tach; though the 6,000 RPM redline required attentive shifting of the six-speed box, which the tS comes exclusively with. The throws are precise, if a little long, and the clutch is wonderfully weighted.
With discontinuation of the Base trim, pricing for the WRX now starts with Premium at $36,920. The tS is at the top of the lineup with the automatic-only GT, both starting at $46,875. All WRXs continue to be made in Gunma, Japan.
If you’re an enthusiast itching to do the tuning yourself, perhaps the 2025 Subaru WRX tS is not for you. But if you want a plug-and-play experience, this is it. While it won’t exactly bestow the loose-cannon, top-level driving skills exhibited by famous WRC drivers upon you, the tS moves this WRX’s game in a direction we’ve so desperately wanted Subaru to take.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.4-liter flat-four
- Tranmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 271
- Torque: 258 lb-ft