Coffee to go in high-tech Fiat 500L

The Fiat 500L is only slightly longer than the average European car, yet can accommodate 6-footers comfortably

Dr Dre and Lavazza, yes, the coffee people, are two of the names associated with the latest member of the Fiat 500 family, the Fiat 500L.

The Italian car manufacturer promises the 500L will offer ‘MPV practicality, SUV image and Supermini efficiency’, although it’s only slightly longer than the average European car.

Fiat reckons five passengers who are more than 6ft in height, as well as their five suitcases will fit comfortably into its new addition, thanks to a class-leading cabin volume and large boot.

There are also 22 storage compartments, a fold-flat passenger seat, sliding ‘Fold and Tumble’ rear seats and a three level boot floor, or Cargo Magic Space, as Fiat likes to call it.

The Skydome glass roof is also the biggest in its class.

The 500L offers a host of tech goodies

Rapper Dr Dre has come on board in the guise of a new premium recording studio-inspired sound system, which was developed in collaboration with his company, Beats Audio.

And, wait for it, the 500L will be the first production car in the world to offer a fully-integrated Lavazza espresso machine.

After the coffee machine announcement, other more mundane sounding technological innovations include a 5-inch touchscreen UConnect multimedia system with wireless music streaming; DAB; voice recognition; SMS reader; integrated satellite navigation and FIAT’s eco:Drive Live software to track how efficiently you’re driving in real time.

The system can also be upgraded with smart-phone style Apps for the likes of live Twitter, Facebook, news, weather and traffic feeds.

The Fiat 500L is best in class for cabin space

Fiat’s fender-bender prevention system City Brake Control will also be available.

Two engine types will be on offer in Ireland – an 85hp 1.3 MJet II and 105hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo – and four trim levels – Pop, Pop Star, Easy and Lounge.

The bad news is that you’ll have to wait until early next year before it reaches Irish shores. Prices will be confirmed closer to the launch.

For more information please visit Fiat.ie or Fiat Ireland on Facebook