Chinese automakers 'knock off' Fiat 500L

Lifan 330 unveiled at motor show in Beijing

(ANSA) - Rome, April 23 - Chinese automakers are under fire for allegedly knocking off the larger deluxe version of Italy's celebrated Fiat 500. The Lifan 330, which debuted this week at the Auto China 2014 motor show in Beijing, bears a "striking" resemblance to the front end of the Fiat 500L, according to carnewschina.com, the only difference being in the width of the grills. Meanwhile the sides and tail resembled a Mini Cooper, enthusiasts say, recalling the 2003 Lifan 320, which varied from the British model only in the addition of two rear doors. The sticker price for the Lifan 330 starts at 4,226 euros, about four times cheaper than a no-frills Fiat 500L.