
Test drive Fiat 500X against Renault Captur: urban fashion
First comparison of the 500X with one of its strongest opponents - Renault Captur
The Italian brand Fiat has finally released a model that has every reason to be considered a significant new product. Moreover, the 500X claims to take a worthy place in the particularly popular class of compact urban crossovers Old Continent. Another, no less important news that the 500X brings with it is the fact that with it, Fiat has really managed to take the first successful step towards transferring the iconic design features of the small 500 to a completely new model and gradually (like BMW and their British brand MINI) build a whole family of diverse cars with a common design philosophy. And although the exterior of the 500X has a typical Italian look, behind the metal sheet of the car hides the technology of a small American - the model is a technological twin of the Jeep Renegade. The body is 4,25 meters long and reaches 1,80 meters wide, but nevertheless, the 500X still looks very cute - almost as small as the tiny Cinquecento. Yes, Fiat has managed to create a car that looks incredibly cute like a teddy bear on wheels, but at the same time does not look childish or ridiculous. Typical Italian design remarkably manages to please at first glance, but at the same time does not cross the line of good taste, striking with manifestations of unnecessary kitsch.
Dual gear? What is our city for?
For those who think a model of this caliber wouldn't be a meaningful purchase without all-wheel drive, the 500X offers an efficient dual-drive system that's also borrowed from Jeep. However, the current comparison includes a front-wheel drive variant, which is expected to power more than half of the vehicles sold. The 1,4-liter turbo petrol engine produces 140 hp and its thrust is transmitted through a six-speed manual transmission. Fiat's adversary is called the Captur TCe 120 and comes standard with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
It is important to note that despite the stock dual-clutch transmission and rich standard equipment, the Renault model is more profitable than the Fiat. On the other hand, at the Lounge level, the Italian model has xenon headlights as standard and can get a wide range of advanced assistance systems not available to Renault. Renault manages to withstand richer multimedia capabilities surpassing what Fiat offers.
Dynamics or comfort
Enough theory, let's move on to the practical part. With a relaxed driving style, the Captur moves energetically and requires minimal effort to control. The small engine runs quietly and smoothly, the suspension smoothly and competently absorbs bumps. The Captur is not one of those cars that predispose to extreme driving. Instead, it prefers to move safely and calmly. If you still insist on more sporty events, the ESP system will quickly cool your enthusiasm - the same applies, among other things, to the not very precise steering system. The transmission also prefers leisurely driving to fast - "driving" the car along the road to the corners, its reactions are a little confused and not entirely adequate.
The Fiat, on the other hand, loves the serpentines on its way, obediently and deftly follows the given trajectory, the tendency to understeer is very weak, and with sharper load changes even makes the driver's job easier with a slight, controlled slide of the rear end. The engine is ideally suited to its temperament. Although the 500X's engine is not as developed as its counterpart in the Captur, it responds easily to any throttle - especially when activating the sport mode, which also strengthens the steering. Gear changes are also precise and a real pleasure. However, on the other side of the coin is the relatively heavy ride of the 500X.
In terms of driving comfort, the advantage definitely belongs to the Captur, which is liked among other advantages such as a spacious cargo area, horizontally adjustable rear seat, removable and machine washable upholstery, and lower noise levels in the cabin. Renault is definitely the best choice for families. At the end of the test, the victory still goes to Fiat, albeit by a small margin of a few points. However, one thing is for sure - both models are sure to find many loyal fans among the inhabitants of the urban jungle.
CONCLUSION
1.Fiat
With state-of-the-art equipment, spacious interior and dynamic handling, the 500X justifies its higher price tag. However, the performance of the braking system definitely leaves much to be desired.
2 RenaultPerformance isn't its strong point, but the Captur boasts great comfort, flexible interior space and ease of use. It's a car that offers a lot - at a good price.
Text: Michael Harnishfeger
Photo: Dino Eisele

