Fiat 500X gets techy makeover

Whichever Fiat board member suggested expanding the 500 range beyond the cute city car is a genius.

Though the iconic 500’s two larger siblings – the 500L and 500X – aren’t best sellers in the UK, they lead their respective segments on the continent and make the Italian brand a tidy packet.

The 500X has always been slightly old-fashioned, trading on its retro appeal rather than its modernity, so Fiat has seen fit to give it a substantial mid-life facelift.

On the outside, the fundamentals are virtually identical, but re-profiled bumpers front and rear give a neater aesthetic.

Of more appeal are the new lights: Standard LED daytime running lights and taillights, with optional full LED headlights. They bring the car well up to date, and look rather slick – especially the 500-aping ring-shaped taillights.

Prices start at £14,675 for an entry level 1.0-litre model and of the three engines on offer, two are all new: A 1.0-litre three-cylinder and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder.

They join a new suite of safety tech as well as an interior that’s been updated with smartphone connectivity and a new, more legible instrument panel.

We tried both the new petrol engines, of which the 1.0-litre will likely be the biggest seller. We’re glad to report it’s an excellent unit – very refined for a three-cylinder engine, refusing to sound strained even higher up in the rev range.

It’s also decently powerful, with 118bhp on tap and a 10.7-second 0-60mph sprint, meaning there’s plenty of punch for town driving.

The 1.3-litre doesn’t feel quite so pleasant, despite being fundamentally the same as the 1.0-litre but with an extra cylinder.

A wide swathe of body-coloured material across the dashboard brightens up the interior, which can feel a little dark and dingy in other places.

Material quality is good though, as is space: Four 6ft adults can travel in reasonable comfort.

New LED daytime running lights and taillights are standard across the range, though full LED headlights are only standard on top-spec Cross Plus models.

At 350 litres, boot space is less than you would get on a family hatchback such as a Volkswagen Golf, but it’s reasonable.

If style matters and you’ve outgrown a regular 500, the 500X is a great choice thanks to its retro charm – but the welcome tech boost and excellent new 1.0-litre engine ensure there’s some substance to the style.

It’s decent to drive, spacious enough for a young family, and well-priced.