THIS IS HOW THE 2013 FIAT 500L MPV 7 SEATER COULD LOOK LIKE

It’s been the week of leaks. From the new TVS Apache to the Lamborghini Urus SUV concept, the leaks are just happening, left, right and center. Now we’ve gotten hold of the possible looks of the Fiat 500 L MPV, which can seat seven and is scheduled to debut sometime in 2013. Fiat just launched the 500 L hatchback, which is a grown up version of the cutesy cute Fiat 500. The 500L is based on a modified Fiat Punto platform and was designed primarily to offer more space and practicality while retaining the appeal of the 500 marquee, to compete with the BMW owned Mini range of hatchbacks.

The Fiat 500 L based 7 seater MPV is another move in this direction to make the Fiat 500 brand franchise more appealing to a wider range of customers. The Mini range of hatchbacks have been a raging success across the world and Fiat wants a share of this market as the 500 too is an iconic brand. However, unlike the Mini, the 500 L looks quite disjointed from the original Fiat 500 hatchback, and this  might prove to be a stumbling block for the brand, as it was the original Fiat 500′s compact proportions and cutesy looks that has elevated this car to its iconic status.

Now, coming to the 7 seater Fiat 500L MPV, this car appears to be a stretched wheelbase version of the Fiat 500L. Other details are unavailable at the moment although we reckon that the MPV could have a 2+3+2 seating layout to accommodate the 7 adults it promises to. Amongst the engine options, Fiat might plonk it its latest petrol Multiair engines with turbocharging to accompany as the MPV might require some more shove than the hatchback, considering that it will be heavier and will have to lug around two more people. Fiat does have a range of Multijet diesel engines and one of these could also make it to the MPV.

This is one car that could perhaps make sense for Fiat India to launch in the Indian market. We’ve been seeing a slew of MPV launches. Fiat does suffer from the lack of a varied product portfolio and in that circumstance, the 500 L MPV could be a high volume product that makes a lot of sense for India. Given that the 500 range is now focused on practicality rather than icon status, this product could also be priced competitively. What say, Fiat India?