Fiat's Bambino grows up

Fiat's 500L will launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Photo / Supplied

Fiat's little 500 will get a bigger stablemate at next month's Geneva motor show.

The Fiat 500L (L stands for 'large') will replace the dubiously-monikered Fiat Idea in the European markets.

It will supplement the Bambino range, joining the stock 500, Abarth and Cabrio versions.

The 'L' is squarely aiming at the growing European micro people mover market.

It's a five seater and is 4140mm long, 1780mm wide and 1660 mm high, with the cab-forward design introduced by Fiat with its hideous 600 Multipla.

Fiat will produce the 500L in its Serbian factory, and will be offered initially with two petrol engines - 1.4-litre or TwinAir - and a cutting edge 1.3 MultiJet II turbo diesel.

A decision is yet to be made on whether the big Bambino will go on sale in New Zealand and Australia.