Fiat to put seven seats in 500 supermini

Fiat is planning a seven-seater version of its 500 MINI-rivalling supermini.

The revelation comes as the brand reveals the interior of the five-seat 500L that will be launched next year.

The 500L was unveiled at the Geneva show in March but its doors were locked because the interior design had not been signed off.

Now it has, revealing that five seats will be the configuration of the 500L.

However Roberto Giolito, head of the Fiat design centre in Turin, tells Headline Auto that a seven-seat version with longer rear overhang will follow later.

Seven seats may seem to be pushing the boundaries in such a small vehicle, but the 500L has a precedent in the 1957 Fiat 600 Multipla, which the brand says was the world’s first MPV.

The new 500L will expand the market for the Fiat. Longer, wider and taller and with five doors it opens the model up to families, and it also promises a good amount of cargo space.

The new interiors will be on display at the Paris Show in late September. The model will come in three trim levels, pop, easy and lounge.

Head of colours and materials Rossella Guasco says that the pop will be similar to the current 500, with a mixture of metal and plastic trim and with bold colour mixes such as red and black.

“With the easy trim we are using lighter and brighter colours and a softer feel to the instrument panel. Lounge will be more elegant with warmer, more formal colours and softer micro fabrics on the seats,” Ms Guasco adds.

With extra room and a slightly lower belt line the car promises a more panoramic view from inside. It will also be available with a full glass roof, either fixed or opening.

The 500L will launch on the Italian market late this year and is expected in the UK next February.

Story: Headline Auto

Words by: DrivenData Reporter