Fiat 500X 1,4 MultiAir

Fiat is famous for its small cars, a legacy born from such icons as 1936’s Topolino and the 1957 Cinquecento. Of course, another was added to that illustrious list with the launch of the new 500 in 2007, a little car that proved a great boost to Fiat’s somewhat flagging fortunes. Sales volumes are still growing after seven years of production, with 80% of its sales coming from outside of Italy.

Like the strategy employed by rival icon Mini, derivatives have been spun off the 500 brand to capture markets and increase sales cue the Fiat 500L and now the 500X crossover. Don’t think that the new car is simply a 500L with a 4x4 option and some black trim, though. It might use the same platform and range of powertrains, but the 500X has been styled from scratch with unique bodywork, glass area and front and rear designs. Penned by Centro Stile Fiat in Turin under the leadership of Roberto Giolito, vicepresident of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), it shares the same platform as the Jeep Renegade and production takes place at the Italian assembly plant in Melfi.

We were treated to an exclusive morning of in-depth analysis of the 500X design and production process by Giolito himself. He has styled two distinct versions: a more city-oriented, front-wheeldrive range (with Pop, Popstar and Lounge trim levels); and the off-road version that features more SUV-type styling with an all-wheel-drive option (trim levels here are Cross and Cross Plus).

First up for testing at Fiat’s proving grounds at Ballocco, not far from Turin and Milan, was the 4x4. We regularly spotted Ferraris, Maseratis and Alfa Romeos (including the new 4C Spyder) being tested on the track, but it was on the off-road section where we put the 500X through its paces.

Ride quality is good, displaying an ability to soak up bumps without not being sloppy, but the steering feel is a bit on the light side (firmer at the freeway limit of 130 km/h). Fiat’s “mood selector” provides a subtle link to SUV status with this consolemounted knob allowing you to access traction options. In the front-wheel-drive cars, this is a weather mode that gives you sport, auto and all-weather for slippery conditions. In sport mode, the throttle response is quickened and steering and damping firmed. You notice the difference with this system, especially in the suspension.

For the 4x4 models, the allweather selection is replaced with a traction function that brings in the electronic limited-slip diff function for added grip while climbing hills. The transmission used on the 4x4 is the same ZF nine-speed auto ‘box employed in the Jeep Renegade it’s a clever arrangement that uses eight ratios for normal driving but adds a low-range first ratio when “offroad” is dialled in.

Unique to the 4x4 is the addition of a centre diff, allowing the use of front-wheel drive only or all four wheels, thus saving fuel in normal driving. Ground clearance is increased from 162 mm to 179 mm on the 4x4, with impressive approach and departure angles. Boot space is claimed to be 350 dm3, with a utility capacity of 1 000 dm3. Of course, six airbags are standard.

Unfortunately, though, due to pricing clashes and to prevent a subsequent family feud with the Renegade that arrives here in April, it is unlikely that this model will make it to South Africa. Initially, around mid-year, we’ll get the 81 kW 1,6-litre E-TorQ turbodiesel mated with a five-speed gearbox, and the 103 kW 1,4 Multiair turbopetrol with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Like the Renegade, the 500X uses MacPherson struts for the front and rear suspension. We also managed to hop into a 1,4-litre in manual guise and it certainly does sport some trick and funky styling, with all the elements of the original 500 still visible both inside and out, just presented in a much larger and bolder way.

A large variety of stylish options will be available, including neat striping that slots over the bulged fluting in the bonnet and the indented channel over the roof.


Seating comfort is better than in the 500 thanks to larger chairs and more elbow room, while legroom in the rear is adequate but not outstanding for adults. Luggage space is also sizeable and features a double boot board. this might come in handy if Fiat SA supplies a spare wheel (not standard spec in Europe).

Fiat always loads its vehicles with features and a few models we tried had height adjustment for both front-seat occupants and a boost gauge included in the turbocharged models’ instrumentation display. the navigation screen has been carefully designed to integrate with the facia a much neater design feature than that employed by many of its competitors, where the screen seems an afterthought glued onto the facia top.

One of the audio options is a Beats by Dr Dre system, a division of Apple. Over 100 customisable accessories are available, including branded luggage, roof racks and boxes, and wheels.

In South Africa, the 500X is unlikely to sell nearly as well as the funky 500 runabout, but it is a good-looking crossover that will add spice to the trafic mix. Pricing will be round R310 000 for the 1,6-litre and R340 000 for the 1,4 Turbo.