Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Fiat 500L - final report
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Our Fleet Test Drive: Fiat 500L - final report

Date: 11 September 2014   |   Author: Guy Bird

On the whole, the Fiat's USB and wireless system when linking to an iPhone works well, but every now and then it develops a mind of its own

Historically, Fiat hasn't exactly been renowned for its electrics, but the 500L is actually pretty good.

Linking my iPhone to access its music (either iTunes or Spotify) works well via a USB cable plugged into a slot conveniently situated in the lower part of the centre console - which also means you can keep the phone charged up too - or if your cable's gone missing, wirelessly via Bluetooth.

The stereo quality isn't bad (and as mentioned in earlier reports, a beefier Dr Dre Beats version is available) plus the standard in-built 5-inch colour screen displays your songs and phone book clearly.

Just occasionally, though, the car's media interface gets in a muddle. Several times I've experienced the vehicle system starting - of its own volition - whatever phone app I was most recently using away from the car, in my case, recording the journey in audio via my dictaphone app and refusing to stop! The only other connectivity downside is the lack of a decent place to put your phone while linked.

The oval cubbyhole next to the USB slot is hopeless (for anything) so I leave it rattling around in one of the centre cupholders. Somewhere flatter, nearer to the driver and with a rubberised surface would be better.

Mileage 7139
P11D price £18,995
Our average consumption 44.4mpg
Official combined consumption 62.8mpg
Forecast CPM 45.4p

Verdict


  • Characterful
  • Panoramic roof
  • Big boot
  • Real-life mpg
  • 'Characterful' connectivity

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