Fiat grows with the introduction of the third 500 model locally, the crossover 500X.

Fiat SA has had resounding success with their small city car, the 500. As a throwback to the first, legendary 500, the modern incarnation has seen more than 500 000 sold in South Africa since its launch in 2007. Designed, engineered and built in Italy, the 500 range is typically Italian in its execution.

With this chic popularity, Fiat has expanded the local 500 range to include the 500L and the 500L Trekker, the latter geared towards those with a more active lifestyle. Their latest offering is a dedicated crossover, but one that still bears the lineage of the original 500.

The all-new 500X targets buyers that are looking at the Opel Mokka, Nissan Qashqai and possibly even a Mini, most likely looking at the Countryman. It’s a vehicle that keeps the stylish, fashionable lines of the 500 but provides more space and a little additional versatility – it’s a grown up 500 for those that regard a car as an extension of their style.

Styling

The 500X may retain some of the trademark 500 styling cues with rounded headlights, chrome bonnet detailing and a C-pillar that is unmistakably Fiat 500. It’s not a small car and sizing can be likened to the Nissan Juke, albeit a little wider.

The first variant on offer is the 500X Cross, which carries a more rugged look than one would get with the 500L or city car 500. The Pop Star model will look more city-car-like and will be devoid of the bare plastic lower sections of the front bumper run on smaller wheels.

Interior

The interior also differs between models but only in trim and not in physical dimensions or design. The layout is not too dissimilar from the smaller 500 but only the Pop Star model will carry body coloured panels into the interior.

Standard equipment is sufficiently high for the pricing and overall touch and feel is acceptable. The seats carry a flatter profile and are not as form hugging as one would be lead to believe, the fabric covering may also be a little too abrasive for some, while others will regard it as hard wearing.

Interior space is good and ergonomics see most controls fall easily to hand, not in a sports car fashion, but rather in a spacious cross over manner.

Motor

The gem of the 500X is without a doubt the tried, tested and revered 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged Multiair motor that develops 103kW and 230Nm torque. This free-revving motor certainly has no problems pulling the 1320kg body up to and beyond highway speeds.

The Drive Mood Selector allows for the driver to choose between an Auto, Sports or All-weather / Traction setting that adjusts the steering, brakes, engine and transmission.

The 500X, and I can’t believe that I’m actually saying this, is best with the 6-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission automatic gearbox. The 6-speed manual gearbox seems a little vague in the gating and shifts are less than direct. The DDCT gearbox is smooth and relatively quick to shift, certainly more enjoyable than the manual option.

Verdict

The Fiat 500X is a strong contender in the crossover segment, especially for those looking for something a little more geared around appearances than outright performance or versatility. It certainly is the chic option, with a little more substance, enough to make it suitable for any gender or demographic.

Pricing

The 500X launches 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 starts at R344 900 and R359,900.00 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.