Fiat’s bigger 500 really has X Factor
THE rise of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) has been nothing short of staggering.
Just about every manufacturer has one or more in their range.
Over at Fiat, they have been really clever.
Their most popular car in this country is the funky 500, so when you have hit on a winning name build upon it.
Keep the retro looks and the style but put it on steroids to make it bigger and a touch more hunky, add an extra pair of doors and, bingo, you have the Fiat 500X.
There is the 500X Urban which is aimed at folk who do a lot of town driving (from £17,310) and there is the 500X Cross which has additional kit to help it fend of scratches and dings on rough, soggy ground (from £19,300), although don’t get carried away - it is not a 4x4 mud plugger.
Fiat has ditched diesel in the 500X. It is petrol only. You can choose from 1.0, 1.3 and 1.6 litres.
Don’t be fooled; the 1.6 engine is old-school and feels it.
The 1.3 litre 148bhp engine is only available with an automatic gearbox.
It is OK for die-hard auto fans but we much prefer the 1.0 unit and the manual box. It is a willing engine and will suit most owners.
The 1.0 three-cylinder turbocharged engine is the best allrounder.
It develops 118bhp, gives you a 0-60 time of just over ten seconds and won’t be far away from 48mpg.
The ride is really cushy and, thanks to light steering, it is a doddle to punt around town. The high driving position also helps. If you intend using the 500X for town, work, school runs, holiday trips etc, you will love it.
In terms of kit, you have a simple choice... if you go for the Urban model you can choose Urban and 120th anniversary trim with either the 1.0 or 1.6 engine, while if you go for the Cross you can choose from Cross, Cross Plus or S-Design with the 1.0 or 1.3 litre engines. We like the 500X Cross with the 1.0 litre engine with Cross trim. You get smart alloys, colour touchscreen with DAB radio and Bluetooth, air conditioning, cruise control, powered windows and mirrors, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors and a load of safety kit. We would not go any further in the trim range because, as it stands, this Fiat 500X represents excellent value for money.
Stick with the 1.0-litre engine and entry level trim and you end up with a really good car which will become part of the family.