Fiat 500X 2017 Review - A Stylish Mini-SUV

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The Fiat 500X is a mini-SUV that has been in production since 2014, serving as the brand’s answer to competitors like the Nissan Juke, Kia Soul, and Renault Captur. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the 500X is manufactured in Melfi, Italy, alongside the Jeep Renegade and targets a distinct market segment.

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Addressed to city dwellers who desire to stand out, the 2017 Fiat 500X is arguably one of the trendiest crossovers on UAE streets.

Exterior Design

Based on the Jeep Renegade platform, the 500X is designed at the brand’s Style Centre and extends the line-up which includes the 500, 500C, and 500L. Measuring 4,250 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height, the Fiat 500X boasts a muscular silhouette.

Retaining the aesthetic DNA of its predecessor, the Fiat 500X presents a robust exterior highlighted by an aggressive front bumper and a prominent rear diffuser, complemented by attractive contours along the vehicle's length.

Interior Features

Inside the cabin, the Fiat 500X features a simplistic layout enhanced with flamboyant touches. The infotainment screen, positioned atop the dashboard, is adorned with high-gloss black and matte silver trims throughout the interior.

With design elements reminiscent of the Fiat 500 and Jeep Renegade, the 500X offers a blend of both. The cabin is lined with supple leather on the seats, door panels, and steering wheel, with bright silver trim pieces breaking the monotony of an otherwise dark interior.

Safety & Tech

The Fiat 500X 2017 boasts a safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), qualifying it as a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features include ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), enhancing safety and handling by correcting over- and under-steer.

The 6.5-inch touchscreen, powered by the Uconnect system, connects to a 180W six-speaker setup and features Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, along with USB and AUX connections. The satellite navigation system is user-friendly, although the rear camera quality is disappointing.

Driving Experience

Composed of nearly 70% high-strength steel and structural adhesives, the Fiat 500X weighs just 1,345kg and delivers a lively driving experience. Powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, it produces 184 horsepower and 237 Nm of torque, ensuring it is not underpowered.

Equipped with a segment-first 9-speed automatic transmission, the Fiat 500X is innovative but has faced criticism. While the benefits include low fuel consumption and reduced engine noise at highway speeds, there are drawbacks such as delayed acceleration and frequent gear shifts, which can disrupt the driving experience.

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With just 179 mm of ground clearance and approach, departure, and break-over angles of 21.3°, 30.1°, and 22.3° respectively, the 500X may initially seem like a capable soft-roader, but its ground clearance is a limiting factor.

The Fiat 500X provides a very direct, go-kart-like driving experience on the road. Its all-wheel-drive system offers excellent grip, making it a fun car to drive. The Drive Mood selector features three settings (Auto, Sport, Traction) that adjust power steering, ESC calibration, and transmission shifting patterns to suit different driving conditions.

Verdict

Priced at AED 99,000, the Fiat 500X 2017 is more expensive than its rivals: the Kia Soul, Renault Captur, and Nissan Juke, which are priced at AED 57,000, AED 67,900, and AED 85,000 respectively.

While the Juke is the only competitor that matches the Fiat’s All-Wheel-Drive capability, the 500X offers a unique blend of refinement and individuality that is hard to resist.

Also See:

• Prices of the Fiat 500 2016 Abarth
• Prices of the Fiat 500C 2016