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

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,679 off RRP*Used from £11,989
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £8,450
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,450 off RRP*Used from £11,850
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £30,799
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless
Opinion - Volvo XC40 Recharge

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless

Editor Paul Barker thinks new car firms don't have heritage behind them, so power figures and straight line speed are an easy way to grab headlines
Opinion
15 Oct 2025
New Volkswagen T-Roc ride review: small SUV shows plenty of promise
Volkswagen T-Roc prototype - front

New Volkswagen T-Roc ride review: small SUV shows plenty of promise

We ride shotgun in the latest Volkswagen T-Roc, giving us a taste of what’s shaping up to be next year’s hottest small SUV
Road tests
16 Oct 2025
New Toyota C-HR+ 2025 review: electric SUV struggles for space
Toyota C-HR+ - front

New Toyota C-HR+ 2025 review: electric SUV struggles for space

The new Toyota CH-R+ has plenty of plus points, but ultimately fails to stand out from the crowded family EV class
Road tests
15 Oct 2025