The 500L has risen in popularity since Francis stepped into one after landing on US soil – a striking counterpoint to the SUVs of most American notablesIt’s surprisingly spacious in the back,with generous leg room and a drinks holder in the central armrest to keep the papal coffee from spilling over the white cassock. The holy father’s favourite liturgical music – or even his own newly released single – can play through the car’s six speakers via Bluetooth. It comes with a built-in navigation system – not that it’s needed when every journey is accompanied by dozens of secret service vehicles, police cars and motorcycle outriders.
This is the Fiat 500L, or the small car with fresh cachet since Pope Francis made it his vehicle of choice on his US trip. Ever since he clambered into its back seat on the tarmac of Washington’s Joint Base Andrews airport on Tuesday to the audible gasps of television commentators,the popes cramped black number has become a talking point across America.
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Source: theguardian.com