Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as they are now known are on somewhat of a charge over the last 12 months. Over the last 4 weeks we have begun to experience some of their latest main stream products as part of their new 5 year plan announced early last year. They have gone for the jugular too launching two cars into the extremely competitive crossover segment. It began last month with the Jeep Renegade and what an impressive attempt that turned out to be. Today it was the turn of the new Fiat 500X and admittedly, this is a very good car too demonstrating nice design, impressive engines and interior flair.
The venue was the prestigious K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare which is surrounded by some of the finest driving roads the county of Kildare has to offer. There is a range of six engines to choose from, 3 petrol and 3 diesel with a choice of three transmission – manual, dual clutch and a 9-speed automatic. Available in three specifications, Popstar, Lounge and Cross Plus, our test car was the 1.4 Multi Air petrol Cross Plus with 140bhp. Since the introduction of the larger MV 500L in 2013, Fiat interior have made for a very nice place to be. The new 500X is no different. The use of quality materials, familiar durable switchgear and Fiat’s UConnect infotainment touch screen are all present in a cabin that has been well thought out.
Stepping into the driver’s seat, you get that familiar crossover elevated impression with the added bonus of a driving position that feels more hatchback than SUV. Setting off, the 1.4 Multi-air petrol feel very nimble and somewhat swifter than its 0-100kmh of 9.8 seconds would suggest. The delivery of torque is quite linear and giving the impression of solid acceleration. At lower traffic speeds, the 500x does feel more SUV as you can feel most of the imperfections of the road below you. At cruising speeds however, this experience is transformed into a more relaxed commute as the car becomes a comfortable travelling machine.
The Fiat 500X is available in two guises, City and Off-road. The Pop, Popstar and Lounge models are designed to appeal to the fun-loving metropolitan while the Cross and Cross Plus offer a more rugged design to appeal the more adventurous person. It sounds like quite a lot of marketing jargon, but Fiat really appear to have done their homework and I would have to say the focus on these specific demographics will pay off.
Starting at €19,750 for the 1.6 E-torQ 110bhp diesel, the 500X Pop represents very good value for money considering it stands at 4248 long, 1976 wide and 1608mm in height, the 500X is larger than it Renault Captur and Nissan Juke rivals. We will be spending a week with the new 500X very soon where we hope to bring you a full review.
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