'L, Yeah:' Check Out Benson Fiat's 500L

It's bigger than the Fiat 500, but it's just as much fun to drive.

Say "Ciao!" to the 2014 500L.

John Montgomery, who manages the studio at Benson's Fiat dealership, said he is selling them as quickly as they can get them on the lot. He's waiting to take delivery of 11 vehicles now, but he doesn't expect them to sit on the lot very long. 

Why?

Two things really — fun and versatility.

"It has all the fun of driving a 500, but the space to take the family with you," Montgomery said.

While part of the name may be the same, the sporty mini-crossover 500L shares very little with 500 Abarth. While the two models feature the same engine and the same Italian craftsmanship, the similarities stop there.

"The 500L is six-inches wider, six-inches taller and 27-inches longer than the 500," Montgomery said. "And then it weighs about 700 pounds more."

The new vehicle features four doors, seating for five, and a hatchback with ample cargo space (that even includes an adjustable shelf).

The 500L comes in four models — Pop, Easy, Trekking, Lounge — with the Lounge being the top-of-the-line model. 

Montgomery said one of the things he especially likes about the Easy is the difference in seat height.

The front seats sit about 24 inches from the ground, but the rear seats sit about 30 inches from the ground, he said, providing more of a stadium-style seating. The rear seats also move forward, recline or fold away. 

The large windows provide an almost 360-degree view for the driver. Couple those things with heated leather seats, a cooler large enough for a couple of bottles of water in the front dash, touch/talk navigation systems and backup camera. The Easy model starts at $20,195.

The Pop, the base model, doesn't allow for the touchscreen or navigation system, but it does offer a great price point for customers, starting at $19,100. 

The Lounge starts at $24,195.

The 500L comes in green, white, red, yellow, grey, mocha latte, metallic lava red and blue charro.