FIAT 500X (2015–)

Introduction

The 500X is the crossover version of Fiat's popular city car and rivals both the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur in size and price. As well as boasting a comfortable interior and impressive road manners, the 500X is one of the few bulked-up 500s that manages to retain almost all of the character that made the original so popular. 

The line-up is split between two distinct styles - City and Off-road - with the latter adding wheel arch cladding, rugged bumpers and underbody protection to help it survive the rigours of all-roading. City versions get sleeker bumpers and more customisation options, but both are attractive with flowing lines and curves.

Fiat has a rich history when it comes to small all-roaders and the 500X continues this tradition with the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The latter uses a torque on demand system to automatically manage the power between the front and rear wheels depending on conditions. 

There's a good range of engines and transmissions to choose from. The front-wheel drive versions get the best choice, with the 1.6-litre and 1.4 MultiAir petrols joined by a choice of 1.3-litre and a 120PS 1.6-litre Multijet diesels. Four-wheel drive is available with 140PS 2.0-litre Multijet diesel and 170PS 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol. 

All the engines work well and even the smallest petrols pull strongly, linked to short shifting six-speed manual gearbox. Officially the 1.3 Multijet is the most efficient, returning more than 60mpg and emitting 107g/km of CO2.

Like Fiat's retro city car, the 500X is easy to drive and comfortable over long trips, with well-bolstered seats and an intelligent and colourful interior. The ride is smooth, absorbing most of the lumps and bumps in the road, although things can get a bit uncomfortable with the optional 18-inch wheels that have a tendency to judder over potholes. 

In our view the 500X is one of the best Fiats to emerge in recent years. It's easy to drive, fun and will return the same economy as a typical family hatchback. It has more than enough rival the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, although only those wanting all-wheel drive might be put off by the considerable hike in price. 

FIAT 500X 2014 Range Road Test

FIAT 500X 2015 Road Test

FIAT 500X Cross Plus 1.0 2018 Road Test