2017 Fiat 500x – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

It’s A Cross-over with Cosmetic Makeup

The Fiat 500x extends its genetics of good retro Italian styling and bubbly charms into the cross-over category. Promising more room, and all weather capability, the 500x proves that cross-overs don’t have to be boring. Standard configuration gets you the same turbo charged 1.4 liter inline V4 producing a mere 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. And that is power is governed by a 6 speed manual transmission. If horsepower is a concern, the Fiat 500x offers an upgraded 2.4L V4 with the optional ZF nine-speed automatic transmission as a configurable option. The more juicy engine configuration produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.ft of torque compromised by shelling out an extra 1800$ for the upgrade.

A Test of Unconventional Design

Either love it or hate it, there really isn’t anything in between in terms of what the design direction the Fiat 500 is heading. The bubbly and cute design character offers rounded headlamps following a short and curvacious front hood, enlarged wheels and an overall bulging overhang that somewhat resembles that of a Volkswagen Beetle with an extended wheel base.

All that said, the overall design statement is a pretty sharp deviation from the conventional sharp and sporty cross-over you see out in the streets. Still, the Fiat 500x offers a visual sense of unique character backed by its Italian grassroots that ultimately, gives it an extra pop in the cross-over space.

There’s not much to rave about in the interior unfortunately. You’ll have to clear more money out of your pocket to buy yourself into the Abarth model to heighten more hopes for better interior. Otherwise, you’re stuck with cheaper grade plastic paneling, cloth seats that are not the most comfortable, and an overall noisy interior due to a lack of sound insulation material within. Minus the absence of power seats, the lower level of quality and materials within the Fiat 500x start to show.

Performance

Regardless of engine configuration (1.4L Turbocharged, or 2.4L V4), a cross-over capable of seating 5 needs more than 180 horsepower. Our tester was equipped with the 1.4L turbo charged engine, and although power was fairly linear, it didn’t take long for power to saturate as speed picked up. The 6 speed manual transmission didn’t offer too much driving excitement either, as shifts between gears felt numb and lazy. Handling didn’t feel solid as well, as body roll and lack of precision on the steering wheel was noticeable during our test drive. Road noise was also noticeable during our test drive, and the overall ride wasn’t as smooth and refined as we had hoped when comparing with other contenders in the cross-over market.

The Fiat 500x can be had for an amazingly low price with the base Pop model starting in at just $18,995, and with the Trekking plus model coming in all the way up to $27,990. This configuration gets you upgraded 18″ wheels, park view camera, Inline 2.4L V4 engine, 9 speed transmission and leather seating.

Whether you should buy one depends on how cash strapped you are. The base model can be had for an amazingly low price that’s difficult to beat for any new car off the lot. Unfortunately, the bargain price stops at just the basic Pop model. The next Sport model comes priced in at $23,495 with a 5″ UConnect infotainment system, hands free communication blue tooth connectivity, and drive mode selector.

Despite the shortcomings in interior aesthetics and ride quality, the statement, “what you pay is what you get” rings true for the Fiat 500x. But that’s not entirely the reason why I don’t think the Fiat 500x deserves spotlight treatment on the podium. The main reason Fiat 500x fails to properly contend with other cross-overs was simply because it was not designed as one from ground-level up. Rather, its design was branched off of the miniature Fiat 500.

With that said, throwing in anything more than $24,000 leaves room for much better choices for a proper and more conventionally designed and comfortable cross-over SUV such as the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tuscon, and Ford Escape.

 

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2017 Fiat 500x
• Model : Fiat 500x
• Vehicle Type : Cross-over
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 1.4L V4 Turbocharged
• Transmission : 6 Speed manual

Pros

• Unique Italian styling
• Exceptionally well price for entry level buyers

Cons

• Lack of interior quality with cheap material
• Ride quality is not great
• Lack of performance in both acceleration and handling
• Car has an overall “cheap” feel