Fi Fiat 500X
Verdict as fresh-faced crossover lands on British roads
We see if Italians’ updated crossover is a winner
THE original brief for the 500X was to “take the 500 and make it bigger”. The plan worked – and in the three years since launch, the crossover has become the second best-selling model in the maker’s line-up.
Now the time has come for a fairly extensive mid-life refresh. There’s a new look, technology and engines, plus more kit; the trim line-up has been restructured to reflect the buying habits of the 500X’s customers, too.
We first drove the updated car in Italy in September (Issue 1,541), and declared that while the formula hadn’t changed, myriad tweaks gave the quirky SUV new appeal. Fiat’s decision to gift the crossover “even more ‘500-ness’ than before” had clearly worked.
The design has been freshened up with similar LEDS to those on the city car, while new colours – such as our model’s Italia Blue – help the 500X stand out. As before, the vibrant hues transfer to the dash, while new dials and higherquality materials lift the ambience.
However, the big news is found under the bonnet. The 500X range kicks off with the same 1.6-litre petrol as before, but this is complemented by a pair of new turbo engines. There is no diesel.
Production of the 148bhp four-cylinder 1.3 range-topper starts a little later, so for now we’re back in the 118bhp 1.0litre three-cylinder – the projected big seller. A quick drive shows why; it’s a quiet, sprightly and efficient performer.
It revs cleanly, and as long as you keep the engine spinning above 1,500rpm there’s little turbo lag. It even settles down at motorway speeds thanks to the six-speed transmission. Unfortunately, that box isn’t pleasant to use; the throw is long and it doesn’t feel all that precise. It’s your only option, however, unless you wait for the 1.3 with its dualclutch auto. The steering is too light to offer much feedback, either.
The ride is a mixed bag, too. While body control is good, the suspension is firm and makes the 500X feel brittle over rough surfaces. If you spend most of your time in town, this could be a deal breaker; rivals such as the Hyundai Kona feel softer and more composed.
Inside, Fiat has taken the opportunity to improve the cabin with more softtouch materials. There’s a new steering wheel, and dials with fresh instruments.
The seven-inch touchscreen is standard across the range, and comes complete with Android Auto and Apple
“Trim line-up has been restructured to reflect buying habits of 500X’s customers”
Carplay. It feels small and dated next to the set-up in some rivals, but it’s functional – and the chunky climate controls underneath are easy to use.
The revised trim structure plays to the public’s penchant for SUVS, with the top two levels getting chunkier off-road styling with extra cladding. Fiat expects these models to account for 90 per cent of sales, with the remaining 10 per cent going to more budget-conscious buyers.
Regardless, even the most basic, Urban trim features 16-inch alloys, aircon and Fiat’s latest suite of safety kit. The grainy touchscreen is also included.
For an extra £2,000, the 500X City Cross driven here adds that more rugged styling, as well as bigger wheels and front foglights. Buyers also benefit from a 3.5-inch TFT display in the dials, auto climate control and rear parking sensors. Cross Plus (another £2,000) gains tinted rear windows, LED headlights, a parking camera and built-in sat-nav.