TEST and REVIEW: Fiat 500X - Irresistibly charming SUV
Design
Fiat 500 X is based on the design of the ultra successful Fiat 500 and rightly so. Retro lines never become outdated and the charm that carry circular shapes and soft external body does not leave anyone indifferent. In fact, calm front is refreshing, because almost every new similar models now are with very aggressive front look even for the youngest buyers. But no, Fiat 500 X is not a builder of the gym that pulls all his muscles to light, but this charming seducer is wearing a suit, with carefully selected perfume and flowers in his hand.
But what about inner beauty? Probably like no other model in the SUV segment, Fiat 500 X has transformed exterior lines inside. And here, as well as outside, you come across a lot of circular forms that only increase the retro charm start from the outside, with attention paid to the smallest details, which are distinguished from generic interiors that accustomed so far ...
Performance
The little Fiat 500 X who we had on the test comes with a fairly powerful diesel engine with 140 hp and 350 Nm, derived from a displacement of 2.0 liters. The result? Excellent performance in all modes and particularly high elasticity. The numbers say that from 0 to 100km the acceleration is for 9.5 seconds, while top speed is 190 km / h, which is quite respectable for a small SUV and enough to satisfy aggressive drivers.
Manageability / Comfort
On the first few kilometers with 500 X, we noticed that the suspension is a little harder,and transmits larger holes on the inside, but the ride is not uncomfortable and quiet at high speeds on the open road. Confirmation tuned suspension still has its positive sides, and it is smaller reduction in curves.
On the other hand, this means that the car has excellent handling. Fiat 500 X drive as a compact car. Even in faster cornering entries, great drive distributes power and the nose of the car can be very easy bring under control, and can target where you want. By pressing harder on the accelerator, the car turns even on very low rpm, making driving extremely fun! A fun is increases thanks to the direct management and excellent, precise transmission.
Area / Practicality
Although the external dimensions, particularly the length of just 4273 millimeters not promise particularly spacious interior, the cabin has enough space for four adults on the front and rear seats. Indeed Fiat 500 X is even more comfortable than some models from the compact class, the high comfort and excellent joining seats, well covering the body and comfortable enough for long trips.
Throughout the cabin there are enough places to delay trinkets and larger items and bottles, and in front the passenger has two large drawers. Trunk counts 350 liters, which is less than other models in the segment, but it has the right shape, and placing the rear seats are getting completely flat floor, which is very useful for loading of larger and longer items.
Ergonomics
Behind the wheel, sitting is a bit lower compared to the competitors in the class, making it feel more sporty, but the driver still has an excellent view of the road ahead. Controls are well placed and finding the ideal position is very easy, while the center console is always at hand. Multimedia system with touch screen is easy and intuitive to use and the only drawback is that the display has a slightly lower resolution.
Quality, reliability and return value
The cabin in Fiat 500 X has an extremely precise workmanship and even driving on the ground, there is no cracking or knocking, which is a positive surprise for Fiat. It is excellent and the choice of materials - plastic is luxury, and looks firmly and solidly. Great attention is paid to the details, which are also made of high quality and carefully selected materials.
In terms of confidentiality, Fiat has seen improvement in recent years, particularly in engines, which do not appear bigger problems. Also undercarriage is firmly - is based on the Jeep Renegade, which means you can expect a full longevity of the vehicle.
Safety
Fiat 500 X earned four stars on the new, stringent tests of Euro NCAP, but on all tested categories is very close to the maximum five stars. It is positive that even the base model is equipped with full safety equipment that includes 6 airbags, designed a set of controls for stability (ESP + ASR + MSR + HBA + Hill Holder + ERM), and available drive to all four wheels which helps in slippery road conditions.
