Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Fiat 500L: Safest small MPV

Small on the outside and big on the inside – the Fiat 500L is a surprisingly practical small car, but space and user-friendliness are no use if you don’t feel safe putting your family inside.

Small on the outside and big on the inside – the Fiat 500L is a surprisingly practical small car, but space and user-friendliness are no use if you don’t feel safe putting your family inside. Euro NCAP reckons you won’t have any fears, though, as it was jointly named the safest Small MPV tested in 2012 with the Ford B-MAX.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Fiat specialises in small cars and its years of experience show, with a strong design that resists impacts well and lots of safety kit fitted as standard. The 1.4-litre petrol model subjected to the rigorous NCAP testing regime isn’t our pick of the range, but it is the cheapest. We prefer the charismatic 900cc TwinAir petrol model, although you won’t get near its claimed fuel consumption of 60.1mpg in normal driving, or the more costly but economical 1.3 MultiJet diesel.

Whichever engine you choose, the 500L looks good, has a stylish interior and provides lots of space – a 400-litre boot and enough space for five adults inside. We just wish it was as fun to drive as it is safe.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,952
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025