- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
125kW, 250Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 150000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Fiat 500X first drive review
With an optional Beats by Dre sound system and partial digital dashboard, the Fiat 500X will come out tech-swinging in an attempt to deliver a point of differentiation in the small SUV segment.
Due in dealerships in August 2015, as its name suggests it's a variant of the diminutive Fiat 500, but in reality the most it shares is that badge, an engine and design DNA.
The body, suspension and five-door interior are unique to the X in the Fiat range; it actually shares more with the Jeep Renegade, with some of the underbody components common between the siblings.
And while it's a small SUV from a small car specialist, the 500X brings decent flexibility to a growing segment (at least five newcomers will arrive in 2015).
Split-fold rear seats flip for an almost flat floor, turning the modest 350-litre cavity into something more usable.
Head room in the rear is marginal, as is leg room – but it's in the mix with most rivals, which range from the newly released Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V to the Holden Trax and Mitsubishi ASX.
It's the front seats that are most generously appointed, from the classy metal-look finishes to the well positioned and easy to use 6.5-inch touchscreen. Broad front door pockets and other binnacles cater for most odds and ends, while those in the rear can choose between seatback nets and smaller door pockets.
But it's not all good news; side support isn't great in the front pews, which can have you propping and readjusting as you slip around through bends.
On the road, the 500X is light and user-friendly. Steering is unnaturally light, which doesn't help with reassurance on flowing country roads. But it makes up points in city traffic and for U-turns.
Despite the taller stance, the body is well tempered in bends, leaning gently but not rolling excessively.
Sharp-edged bumps can catch it out with a thump, but there's otherwise decent compliance.
The 1.4-litre turbo has a modest 103kW output in its base trim, but there's a feistier 125kW version reserved for more expensive models.
There's also more meaningful torque, or pulling power – 230Nm in the less powerful version we drove (250Nm for the other).
It's that mid- to low-rev flexibility that makes the 500X enjoyable to drive as there's hearty response that makes it easy to build pace.
As with most European cars it calls for premium unleaded, something it doesn't consume much of.
While it falls into the small SUV category, the distinctive style and promised generous equipment levels could see it treading on the toes of the equally retro Mini Countryman.
Either way, the 500X will add to the diversity and increasingly improving choices in a segment that is getting plenty of attention – from the industry and buyers.
Fiat 500X 1.4 specifications
On sale: August, 2015
Price: From $27,000 (approx)
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo
Power: 103kW at 5000rpm
Torque: 230Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel use: TBA