The Fiat 500X is a solid choice for those who love the quirky style of the 500 but need more space and practicality for family life. It offers a more substantial option with a higher driving position and more room, especially in terms of boot space and rear seating. The choice of engines is varied, with options suited to different driving needs.
If you're after a balance of performance and fuel economy, the 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel is a good choice, offering decent power for everyday driving while maintaining good fuel economy. The 138bhp 1.4 petrol turbo is ideal if you don’t do many miles and want a livelier engine for city driving. For those needing more power or four-wheel drive, the 138bhp 2.0 diesel is the go-to, providing both a more robust engine and the capability to handle rougher terrains.
After the 2018 facelift, the 500X shifted to a more modern petrol engine range, including the 118bhp 1.0-litre and 148bhp 1.3-litre options. The smaller 1.0-litre engine is great for urban commuting, but the 1.3-litre engine, despite the good power on paper, is hindered by its automatic gearbox, which doesn’t provide the seamless performance expected.
The 500X offers a good compromise between style and practicality but might not deliver the most exciting driving experience or the most refined automatic gearbox in its class. Still, it’s an attractive option for those who want a stylish compact SUV with a more laid-back driving experience.
Equipment, options, and extras
The Fiat 500X offers a range of trims to suit different tastes and needs. Here's a quick breakdown of the key trims:
Pop: The entry-level trim, offering essential features like air conditioning, cruise control, and electric windows. It's ideal for those looking for a no-frills, affordable version of the 500X.
Pop Star: A step up from the Pop, featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a 5-inch infotainment system. This trim adds a bit more comfort and style without going overboard.
Lounge: A more premium option with bi-xenon headlights and satellite navigation. It's a good choice if you're looking for extra tech and luxury touches.
Cross: This trim adds more SUV flair, with chunkier 18-inch alloy wheels and plenty of exterior body cladding. It's a great choice if you want the rugged, off-road appearance of an SUV without sacrificing the 500X’s compact size.
Cross Plus: The Cross Plus builds on the Cross with keyless entry, making it more convenient for daily use.
Post-facelift models introduced more variety, such as:
Urban: The new entry-level trim after the facelift, featuring 16-inch alloys, a 7-inch infotainment system, air conditioning, cruise control, and safety features like lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition.
Lounge (facelifted): This version has 17-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, making it a more connected and comfortable option.
Sport: The Sport trim adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Alcantara seats, and sporty exterior details, perfect for those who want a more dynamic look and feel.
City Cross: Similar to the Cross, but with additional exterior body cladding, enhancing its rugged styling.
Cross Plus (facelifted): This model adds 19-inch alloys, a TomTom sat nav system, and a rear-view camera for added convenience and practicality.
With these trims, the 500X caters to a variety of tastes, from those who prioritize style and luxury to those seeking more rugged, sporty appeal.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
The Fiat 500X offers a variety of engine choices, with the two-wheel-drive models being more economical than their four-wheel-drive counterparts. Here's a breakdown of the fuel efficiency and emissions:
Diesel Models: The 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre diesel engines are the most economical, with both delivering a claimed combined average of 68.9mpg. The 1.3-litre diesel has emissions of 107g/km, while the 1.6-litre diesel has emissions of 109g/km.
Petrol Models: The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine averages 42.2mpg with emissions of 147g/km. The turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, producing 138bhp, is a bit more economical at 47.1mpg and 139g/km.
Four-Wheel-Drive Models: The 2.0-litre diesel engine with four-wheel drive is less economical at 51.4mpg and 144g/km due to the larger engine size and additional drivetrain components.
Post-2018 Engines: A refresh in 2018 introduced two new petrol engines. The most economical is the 1.0-litre petrol, which achieves 48.7mpg, while the more powerful 1.3-litre petrol has a combined figure of 46.3mpg.
Choosing a two-wheel-drive model will generally provide better fuel economy and lower emissions compared to the four-wheel-drive options, though the larger engines in the latter tend to offer more power and capability.
The Car Planet verdict
The Fiat 500X is indeed a charming and stylish small SUV, offering an appealing option for families seeking something more distinctive than typical, run-of-the-mill alternatives. With its Italian flair and compact size, it strikes a balance between practicality and personality, making it a fun and functional choice. The variety of engine options and trim levels ensures there’s a configuration for different needs, whether you prioritize fuel economy, performance, or practicality. The 500X’s unique design and customizable features make it a standout choice for those looking for a small SUV that doesn’t compromise on style or versatility. Find yours today at Car Planet!
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