Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you glad to see me.

Yes, that’s a corny knock, knock joke. But it is also the feeling I felt upon viewing the 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking for the first time. Its spirited and sporty style left me overjoyed and ready to explore it further. Sit back, buckle up and let’s go for a ride that will make the Fiat, even more, a ”peel” ing.

Bravo to Fiat automakers. For 2018, they introduced an updated exterior and interior style that is more than eye-catching, its traffic stopping. Immediately Fiat fans will notice that L in the Fiat 500L may stand for larger. The 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking has a longer frame providing more interior space, flexibility, and functionality. The original Fiat 500 has 30.2 cubic feet cargo space versus the Fiat 500L Trekking that has 68 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded and 22.4 cubic feet when the seats are upright. Due to the extended length, there is more of the vehicle to admire. Italian inspired styling highlights its distinctive attractive features. My review vehicle was exceptionally striking because of the upgraded Urbana Appearance Package that adds drama and sophistication to the design. The package includes black accent roof, black mirror caps, and black aluminum wheels against a color that Fiat calls pastel orange (it looks bright orange to me). The black accents are a definitive standout and a must-have addition.

Interiorly the Fiat 500L Trekking is just as beautiful. Opening the door the dual tone black and gray leather trimmed bucket seats sets the stage to put you in the driver’s seat. Once situated behind the wheel, the driver’s eyes will be keen on the infotainment system. Now on an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, the UConnect 4 system with smartphone integration is in vivid full color with 3D graphics. Features include voice command, hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio, and optional Sirius XM satellite radio and GPS navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will enhance all entertainment within the vehicle with the standard Beats high definition audio system that has 6 premium speakers, 8-inch dual voice subwoofer, and 8-channel 368-watt amplifier. Entertainment enjoyment to the max!

Driving the Fiat 500L is a different experience altogether. Exteriorly Fiat automakers really play up a sporty appeal but in actuality, the Fiat doesn’t perform like a sports car. Now, don’t get the impression that it is a turtle, it is not. But also don’t think that it can go the distance at Indy. In tests, the Fiat 500L was tracked at going from 0 to 60mph in 8.5 seconds. Under the hood is a 1.4L multiair turbo engine. It produces 160 horsepower and 184 Ib. feet torque. One will make fewer fill-ups at the pump as it has a driving range of 396 miles on a full tank. The leather-wrapped steering makes driving relaxed. I found its handling and steering to be good. I felt in control and confident behind the wheel while operating the six-speed automatic transmission. Fiat didn’t skimp on safety. Features include electronic stability control, numerous airbags, tire monitoring, Park Sense Rear Park Assist, and rear back up camera with gridlines.

My test vehicle was the Fiat 500L Trekking, which is in the middle of two other available models. The baseline is Pop whose wheels are one inch smaller than the Trekking. The bigger difference comes into play with the interior features. Heated front seats, leather trimmed seats and Beats audio are not standard in the Pop model. Plus, the Pop is priced $2,330 under the Trekking. The price difference is not that large between the Trekking and Lounge model, just a little over $500. In comparison, the Trekking and the Lounge match up mostly but the Lounge can be less costly when looking at the Popular Equipment package. This is an upgrade on the Trekking and standard on the Lounge. The 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking is based priced at $23,325.00.

Go visit your local Fiat dealer to see the entire lineup or visit fiatusa.com and be glad like I was driving a Fiat.