Car Review

Overpriced and Underperforming: Why the 2019 Fiat 500L Comes Up Small

Despite aggressive marketing to bolster a reputation by association with luxury, the bloated four-door fails to please.

Photograph: FCA US LLC

Small cars should make people smile.

What sociopath doesn’t smile when they see a Mini Cooper or a vintage Volkswagen Beetle rolling down the road? Who doesn’t appreciate the BMW Z4 or the Porsche 914 for their agreeable good looks and plucky driving nature? These types of toys exist to bring pure, simple joy.