Fiat 500X Cross Plus 2016 review

In late 2015, Fiat expanded its 500 lineup with the introduction of a crossover called the 500X. Significantly larger than the standard Fiat 500, it has more interior space exploited thanks to the convenience of the rear doors.

The Fiat 500X was developed in conjunction with the new Jeep Renegade. Italian Fiat now controls Jeep after the American company ran into financial problems during the GFC. This partnership perfectly combines Italian style and the know-how of American four-wheel drive vehicles. The Fiat 4X tested this week is an all-wheel drive (AWD) Cross Plus, not a true 500WD like the Jeep.

If you don't need all-wheel drive, the Fiat 500X also comes with 2WD through the front wheels for a lower price.

Design

Visually, the Fiat 500X is an extended version of the 500 with a family resemblance to its little brother at the front, in various details around the body and in a quirky interior. The latter has a pseudo-metal look that all Fiat lovers love.

The Cross Plus is easily recognizable by the roll bars front and rear, as well as additional moldings around the wheel arches and on the sills.

Like its little brother, the 500X comes in a huge variety of colors and you can choose from a wide range of personalization accessories. There are 12 exterior colors, 15 decals, nine door mirror finishes, five door sill inserts, five alloy wheel designs, fabrics and leather can be part of the package. Even the keychain can be ordered in five different designs.

Our test 500X was in glowing white with red door mirrors and stripes of the same bright hue at the bottom of the doors, best of all a red and white “500X” decal running most of the way along the roof. You have to be tall to see this feature - but it looked great when viewed from under our house balcony - especially with a nice cappuccino in hand…

Value

The range starts at $28,000 for a $500 Pop with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual and goes up to $39,000 for an all-wheel drive Cross Plus with automatic.

In between are the $33,000 Pop Star (great name!) and the $38,000 Lounge. The Pop can be equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for an additional $500, an automatic is standard on the Pop Star. AWD, Lounge and Cross Plus models have a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment levels are high to justify the prices. Even the entry-level 500X Pop has 16-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch TFT display, cruise control, paddle shifters on the automatic, Fiat's Uconnect system with a 5.0-inch touchscreen, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 500X Pop Star has 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, three driving modes (Auto, Sport and Traction plus), keyless entry and start, and a rearview camera. The Uconnect system has a 6.5-inch touch screen and GPS navigation.

The Fiat 500X Lounge also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch TFT color instrument cluster display, automatic high beams, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio Premium audio system with subwoofer, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, interior lighting and two-tone premium trim.

The Cross Plus has steeper ramp angles, xenon headlights, and different dashboard trim.

ENGINES

Power across all models – from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine – is 500 times greater than all models. It produces 103 kW and 230 Nm in front-wheel drive models and 125 kW and 250 Nm in all-wheel drive.

safety

Fiat is very strong on safety, and the 500X has over 60 standard or available items including a reversing camera, forward collision warning; LaneSense Warning; lane departure warning; blind spot monitoring and rear intersection detection. The ESC system has a built-in electronic roll mitigation system. All models have seven airbags.

Driving

Ride comfort is very good and it is clear that a lot of work has been done to dampen noise and vibration. Indeed, the Fiat 500X is as quiet or even quieter than many next-class SUVs.

Interior space is good and four adults can be carried, although tall travelers sometimes have to compromise on legroom. A family with three children will be just right.

Handling isn't exactly Italian sporty, but the 500X is neutral in how it feels as long as you don't exceed the cornering speed the average owner is likely to attempt. External visibility is very good thanks to the relatively vertical greenhouse.

The new Fiat 500X is Italian in style, customizable in a thousand different ways, yet very practical. What else could you ask?

Does the 500X's more flashy styling appeal to you compared to some of its competitors? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Click here for more pricing and specs for the 2016 Fiat 500X.