2019 Fiat 500L

Introduced as a 2014 model, the Fiat 500L was meant to evoke the look of the tiny 500 hatchback in a more practical package. But it had a face only a mother could love and promptly fell flat on it, sales-wise -- even pre-500X -- when this was the closest thing to a crossover Fiat had in its lineup.

For 2019, the 500L carries on unchanged save for a pair of new paint colours.

That means the 500L’s fundamentals are the same as before, with this little wagon using a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It may be one of the smallest engines on the market in terms of displacement, but generous torque makes this 1.4L feel stronger than its small displacement would suggest, and a well-sorted chassis means the 500L is a nice way to clip along multi-lane freeways. What you can’t get is AWD, and in Canada we think that’s one of the things that keeps some people away since the arrival of the 500X in 2016, a proper small SUV that combines better styling with the option of four-wheel traction.

Trims include Sport, Trekking and Lounge. All three include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and satellite radio.

Sport includes standard kit like a leather-trimmed steering wheel, air conditioning, six-speaker stereo, a multi-position cargo shelf that can hold 90 kg and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Mid-range Trekking models get a more rugged look to the 500L with black fenders and lower sill mouldings and 17-inch wheels and adds leather-faced seating with heat for the driver and front passenger.

Top-end Lounge also builds on the Sport model, adding its own 17-inch wheel design, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, chrome exterior trim, fog lights, rear park assist and driver and front passenger lumbar adjustment.

Fuel consumption estimates are 10.7/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway).