Bigger Fiat 500 firms for Australia

Fiat Australia is several steps closer to confirming the 500L for local release.

A brand extension of the 500 'franchise', the larger 500L people-mover has been an on-again, off-again target for the local arm of the Italian brand for some time.

However, an early facelift and the potential availability of a dual-clutch automatic transmission has the five-seat MPV back on Australia’s agenda.

"The 500L is now under serious consideration," Fiat Chrysler Australia spokesperson Karla Leach told motoring.com.au this week.

"We're taking another look at the vehicle. We believe it has potential Down Under, as long as we can secure the right specification to suit local buyers," she said.

Fiat Australia's decision centres on plans to offer the 500L with the brand's DDCT twin-clutch auto in place of the automated manual Duologic box currently offered in Europe. Markets like the USA have already voted with their feet, rejecting the two-pedal manual.

Fiat is expected to add a version of 500L (and the long-wheelbase seven-seat 500 'XL') with the new 'proper' DDCT auto as part of the model's 'freshen' which has, it's believed, been brought forward to late 2014.

According to Leach, if the 500L is confirmed for local consumption, the long-wheelbase 500 'XL' would almost certainly follow.

Fiat Australia is considering the 500L as a "niche, premium offering".

"The car's positioning would not be dissimilar to that of MINI's Clubman," she stated.

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