The cinquecento gets tough – new Fiat 500L Trekking

The modern 500 family sure is a breeder. First there was the reborn Fiat 500 hatchback that reminded everyone that retro is once again cool and chic, followed closely by the trendier still 500C with its sliding soft top. Then Fiat started to get really adventurous with a longer five-door version called the 500L, which is then stretched further to be come the seven-seat 500L Living.

Now there’s yet another new addition to the family – a crossover-style five-door hatchback called the Fiat 500L Trekking. It’s tightly based on the 500L, but gets its own distinct SUV-esque chunky looks with a raised ride height (up 15 mm) and a clever Traction+ system. This isn’t quite the 500X mini SUV that Fiat promised last year; that will come later and become the sixth member of the 500 family.

As with the 500L model, it boasts class-leading interior space and a bigger boot capacity than rivals in the larger family hatchback segment. With the front passenger seat folded, it can carry loads of up to 2.4 metres in length. Optional premium touches include a large 1.5 square metre sunroof, 520w HiFi by Beats sound system and a Lavazza espresso coffee machine integrated into the centre console.

Standard on the 500L Trekking, the Traction+ system controls the braking circuit to simulate the behaviour of a self-locking electromechanical differential to give it more off-roading ability than standard front-wheel drive vehicles. City Brake Control is also a standard feature – a Fiat first.

Four engine options are offered – two petrol (95 hp 1.4 litre FIRE or 105 hp 0.9 litre TwinAir Turbo) and two diesel (MultiJet II motors in either 85 hp 1.3 litre and 105 hp 1.6 litre configurations). Gearbox option is a choice between a six-speed manual or five-speed Duologic sequential automatic.

The Hip Hop Yellow paintwork you see here is exclusive to the 500L Trekking, and a total of 17 colour options are available, including options for a black or white contrasting roof. There’s also a choice of six finishes inside, so you can really make yours your own.

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