When the Fiat 500L reaches U.K. and other European showrooms in February, it will be the first of four new models that will bear the 500 name. The next one is due in September and will be a seven-seater version of the 500L that may be called the 500XL, though that's just its development name.
The 500XL will be longer and wider than the 500L to accommodate the two extra passengers. It will be to the 500L what the Ford Grand C-Max is to the C-Max in Europe. Look for it to make a public debut at the Geneva show in March.
The platform will also spawn a rugged-looking 500L Trekking that should arrive at European dealers before the end of 2013, AutoCar reported. The fourth and final spawn will be the 500X that was leaked earlier this summer and will compete with Mini's Countryman, which suggests it will be somewhat performance-oriented. It will also offer a more coupe-like appearance.
The Trekking will sit higher off the ground than the other models and get rugged covers on its body panels. Traction control will keep the front wheels from spinning, as the car won't be available with an all-wheel drive system.
