Driving Review: Fiat 500X
What is it?
It is pretty much a hatchback that resembles a 4X4 and we call it a crossover or compact SUV and as you know by now it is a segment that has exploded with contenders. The Fiat 500X is the next family member to join the 500 family, which Fiat CEO/MD, Trent Barcroft, describes as a brand within a brand and the “thrust of the Fiat family in South Africa.”
“It is a big small and a small car, the best of both worlds,” he adds. And it is for this reason that this segment is so popular with small families. I know many women who don’t want to drive a big SUV but they want the space and ride height of one. This is exactly what a compact SUV or crossover offers you. The Fiat 500X is no different.
The guys at Fiat feel that the 500 is a bit under appreciated in this country. It has sold over 1.5 million units worldwide and 5000 in South Africa since it launched. Like I mentioned, the crossover segment is expanding and so Fiat has to produce a relative car and is hoping the 500X will resonate with those buyers who want more space.
What does it look like?
Think about the Nissan Juke. People either love or hate the look, I personally love the look of that little amphibian-looking car, but it’s not to everyone’s taste. I fear the 500X will have the same reaction. Again, I love the look, in fact the rear of it reminds me of the Juke, but others might feel it looks like a bloated 500…interestingly though, it is recognisable as part of the 500 family but Fiat insists this is an all-new product with the spirit of the 500.
Fiat hopes to appeal to those who want something a bit different. It relied on the 500 for its cute, retro looks, and the 500X is no different…although I don’t think Fiat want me to call it cute. It’s certainly not butch though, if you want butch you need to look at the Jeep Renegade. Speaking of which, the 500X shares the same platform as its big sister, but has different suspension settings and of course doesn’t offer the same off-road capabilities.
How does it drive?
At the launch in Cape Town this week we got to drive the 1,4 MultiAir Cross which is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission. I drove the manual and I have to say that I was impressed. It’s smooth and just enjoyable to drive really. I can’t say the same for the automatic, I didn’t drive it, but a few colleagues were left unimpressed. So I would probably go with the manual if I were you.
The steering is light but if you switch the car in to Sport Mode (you can also choose Auto and Traction) the steering feels a bit more weighted. From a fuel economy point of view, you don’t want to leave it in Sport mode.
The ride was hard and I felt many road imperfections even on roads that were relatively smooth, which was disappointing. And the seats for me were very uncomfortable, but there is an electronic lumbar support you can adjust, I was just unable to find a comfortable position. The other problem is the material on these seats. Goodness gracious me! Our test unit had part leather, part cloth and the leather was fine, but the cloth…well this was like no material I have experienced in a car before. I may be a bit dramatic here, but I just kept thinking of summer, wearing a short skirt, with potentially sunburnt legs…ouch! It is rough! And you will be left with marks on your legs even after a short trip.
What do you get?
Standard safety features are a big one on the 500X. Across the range you can expect six airbags (front, window, and side), front headlights with daytime running light function and fog lights with self-adaptive cornering function. In addition, depending on the version and market, the advanced Lane Assist (lane departure warning system) and Blind Spot Assist (lane change assistance system to get around blind spots) devices are available as standard or on request. On request, it is also possible to equip your 500X with the new ParkView rear camera for reversing.
The 500X range will initially be launched with the 1.4l Cross with the 6-speed manual transmission and limited numbers of the 1.4l Cross with the 6-speed DDCT transmission. The pricing will start at R344 900 and R359 900 respectively.
The 500X 1.4l Cross Plus will be launched at the end of August and 1.6l Pop Star will be launched at the end of September. These models will be priced at R379 900 and R310 900 respectively.
The final model in the range, the Cross Plus DDCT will be available in the fourth quarter of 2015 and will be priced at R394 900.
All Fiat products come standard with a three year / 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.
Conclusion
The 500X is targeted at couples and small families who want to stand out. It’s not for off-roading but seriously, are you going to take your Fiat 500X in to the Matroosberg? I doubt it! Its cheeky charm and stand-out looks will be what win you over. The Mini Countryman or the Nissan Qashqai may be the more practical choice, but we don’t always want just practical…we want a little bit of fun and I think the Fiat 500X will be just this.