Why 2018 Fiat 500L Is Your Quintessential 'Ugly Pretty'

Jun 28, 2017 01:00 AM EDT | Paul Urban

Should a car be always pretty or handsome for that matter? Does it always to be the most attractive? Well, that may not be the case for the refreshed 2018 Fiat 500L. Many times this small car has been considered ugly but people still buy it. Why then?

The Fiat 500L has 40 percent of its components as new. In spite of this, it has not done well in the U.S. A good example of this is proven through its 2014 sales record. It only sold 12,413 units. Even worse, it only sold 3,118 units for 2016. The refreshed 2018 Fiat 500L is its automaker's hope to change the decreasing trend altogether.

Well, that remains to be seen. Official records have yet to be released to determine if it managed to at least increase the trend in the U.S. Note though that the overall design of the Fiat 500L remains intact but the styling has gone through a more aggressive approach for the 2018 model.

It boasts of lower intake and fog light surrounds are wider with chrome and black plastic pieces. It has also been significantly updated as it has LED accents. The 2018 Fiat 500L is offered in 10 different options and other more options for its roof. This amounts to an insane 37 different color combination!

So what makes this car ugly? Well, it doesn't look anything like the cars seen on the streets today. While most would go for sheer athleticism and sharper look, the Fiat 500L looks like, well, weird? But weird sometimes is good!

The 2018 Fiat 500L also got the same treatment as the front. The reverse lights are lower on the bumper. Its interior is new but experts say it looks just like its predecessor.

The steering wheel is generally attractive and near it is a revised instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch display. It also comes with Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system with a screen measuring 7-inches and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In spite of these, the 2018 Fiat 500L is still considered ugly. Well, in this case, maybe ugly is better. It's like some dog breed. Why do more people go for the English Bulldog over the sweet Pomeranian? It is all about choice, whether ugly or not.

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