We review the FIAT 500L Beats Edition from price to economy and all its features

SO with Christmas just around the corner, Beats Audio headphones will no doubt be on many lists to Santa.

Less likely to be on those lists though will be one of these little numbers – the Fiat 500L Beats Edition.

For the new top-of-the-range 500L, Fiat has teamed up with Beats By Dre to pimp their successful compact MPV with a smattering of special goodies for those who have been particularly good this year.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Based on the 500L Trekking, the Beats Edition gets a great base to work from.

With a 10% raised ride height, off-roading pretentions via chunky wheel arches and skid plates this faux 4×4 goes head-to-head with the Mini Countryman as a funky family runabout.

Add the bespoke matt paintwork (available in black or silver), a contrasting roof, red accents on the wing mirrors and brake callipers plus some sexy 17” darkened alloys and the Beats Edition looks bang on trend.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The 500L Beats Edition has a full range of engines to choose from too from Fiat’s clever little 0.9litre TwinAir to a pair of punchier 120hp units – a 1.4litre T-Jet petrol and a 1.6litre MultiJet diesel.

I spent my time in the 6-speed manual diesel bringing home some Christmas budget friendly fuel economy whilst also trying to ignore engine’s volume both at idle and when pressed. But at least there’s a rather good stereo system to compensate for that.

With its lofty stance the 500L Beats Edition does lean a little on tighter corners and isn’t the quickest family runabout off the blocks but the pliant ride and relaxed steering including a special superlight ‘city mode’ made for fine fuss-free family trips.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Roomier and more pleasant to be in on longer journeys than a Mini Countryman, the 500L Beats Edition gets a few bonus toys too.

Obviously the stereo has been overhauled with an exclusive 520-watt Beats Audio sound system featuring six Beats Audio branded speakers and a fat 8” DVC Beats subwoofer in the boot – ‘cos it’s ‘all about that bass’, right?

The slick, matt finish treatment on the outside is also mirrored inside on the dashboard and the supportive leather seats get bespoke red ‘500’ stitching too.

VERDICT: Admittedly turned up to 11 in the funky styling and block-rocking Beats Audio department it still slightly lacks the Mini Countryman’s aesthetic appeal.

However, the 500L Beats Edition, for the money, will suit most louder families considerably better day to day, and is worth putting on that Christmas list just in case they sell out of those designer headphones you’ve always wanted.