New Fiat 500L compact SUV

The new Fiat 500L is more than just a pretty face. It's a new compact MPV / SUV debuting at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Watch out Mini Clubman.

What is it?

It's the Fiat 500 made LARGE - or rather, a new people carrier with the Fiat 500's face on the front. Much like MINI, Fiat is looking to move its chic small car into other market segments; unlike MINI there is historical precedent for this kind of thing - including the original 600 Multipla.

What's hot?

If you've always liked the look of the 500 but were worried about getting the entire family into a city car, worry no more - a brand new platform and MPV know-how from the Panda pushes the 500 family well beyond the supermini segment. Offers a chunky, SUV-style driving position and loads of storage options, too.

What's not?

To say it's not quite as pretty as the regular 500 that's inspired it is letting the 500L down gently. Still, it has a number of catchy design cues - including the body-coloured dashboard - and is certainly very spacious.

How much and when?

Fiat isn't saying how much it will cost just yet, but you can expect to see it reaching UK dealers by the end of the year. Helping you make the most of your money are some economical engines and Fiat's latest eco:Drive system, which includes a live coaching function to help you use less fuel.

Anything else I need to know?

Those engine choices are: 0.9-litre two-cylinder TwinAir petrol, 1.4-litre conventional petrol and 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel. The full technical spec will follow later, but amongst the toys are a 5-inch touchscreen tablet complete with USB connection and Bluetooth, which is set to offer social networking as well as sat-nav.

• On Bing: see pictures of the Fiat 500L
• Find a used Fiat 500 on Auto Trader
• First Drive Review: Fiat Panda (2012 onwards)