The Fiat 500L MPW’s name isn’t a misprint. It may be a small MPV, but Fiat prefers to call it a Multi Purpose Wagon (or MPW for short).
Compared with the Fiat 500L Trekking that has also been tested this year, the MPW is longer behind the rear axle, making room for more luggage or (as a cost option) an extra row of seats. Our practicality testers found space for a full load of luggage, and were also pleased that the underslung compact spare wheel could be accessed without needing to remove the luggage first.
There’s a decent amount of space for people as well as bags, and the cabin shows some stylish touches.
As a tow car, however, the 500L MPW just isn’t good enough. The low towing limit of 1100kg means it can’t legally tow a caravan weighing 85% of its kerbweight. Even pulling a van weighing just 1100kg it felt loose at motorway speeds, needing regular steering corrections. Data from the Al-Ko ATC sensors showed the caravan moving around when slowing from high speeds, too.
The 1.6-litre diesel engine promises 62.8mpg on the combined cycle, but it struggles when towing. The Fiat needed 26.2 seconds to go from 30-60mph.
