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Fiat 500X 1.6 Multijet II Lounge 120 bhp: The 500 as crossover

Fiat 500X Lounge 800
Fiat 500X Lounge

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25 November 2014

Fiat, 500X, Lounge, side, moving
The 500 X successfully builds on the looks and appeal of the hit 500 supermini

What’s hot?

  • Building successfully on the looks and city chic appeal of the hit 500 supermini, the 500X is well proportioned and shapely junior SUV.
  • Compact size yet bright, airy and surprisingly roomy inside, with good room for five. Opening tailgate reveals well shaped 350-litre luggage space.
  • Excellent high-set driving position affords good all around visibility.
  • Quality and panel fit appear at a high level with this Italian-built mini SUV, inside and out.
  • Big model range will see six engine options, three diesel, three petrol, ranging between 1.3-2.0-litres, so offering plenty of choice.
  • Transmission options include Fiat’s first 9-speed automatic as well as this conventional, sweet-shifting 6-speed manual. Plus front-drive, 4WD and front-drive with “Traction Plus.”
  • The 1.6-litre MultiJet II diesel is a smooth, refined performer, with strong mid-range torque making for easy overtaking.
  • Eco numbers: – 68.9 mpg combined economy and 109 g/km for C02 – are class competitive and useful for UK business car users too (17% BIK).
  • The 500X is built up from a new platform (shared with the US Jeep Renegade), so losing the 500 hatchback’s oft choppy ride and soft, understeery cornering . Steering is much sharper too, making the 500X far more wiedly, better balanced and satisfying on the road.
  • The mandatory SUV high ground clearance brings marks for urban style but also helps if you do venture off-road.
  • ‘Drive Mode’ selector has three different settings – Auto, Sport and Traction – allowing you to vary performance/steering/brake settings etc to suit.
  • Lounge kit includes HID headlamps, adjustable cargo floor, 18-inch alloys, leather-trimmed gearlever and 6.5-inch Uconnect infotainment system with sat nav. Also, an adjustable arm rest with storage and ambient interior lighting.
Fiat, 500X, rear, moving
We wonder if the Fiat 500X is too expensive? More expensive than the Renault Captur, which does the same job

What’s not?

  • Although the Opening Edition will be available to order from December 1, the main 500X sales are not set to begin until next spring (likely April). So the 500X is still some months away.
  • Faces keen competition from the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur which are already on sale…
  • Model positioning and pricing (£14,595-£25,845 OTR) puts the 500X in a generally higher bracket than, say, the Captur, which ostensibly can do much of what the 500X can do, but for a less elevated ask.

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