Review of the Fiat 500X 2019: pop star
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 6/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
- What is it like to drive? 6/10
- Verdict
- Would you prefer the Fiat 500X to one of its better known competitors? Tell us in the comments section below.
The indomitable Fiat 500 is one of the longest survivors - even VW's recently deceased New Beetle couldn't ride the wave of nostalgia, in part because it became a bit out of touch with reality, as it wasn't a car anyone could buy. The 500 avoided this, especially in its home market, and is still going strong.
Fiat added the 500X compact SUV a few years ago and at first I thought it was a dumb idea. It's a controversial car, partly because some people complain that it capitalizes on the history of the 500s. Well, yes. It worked well for the Mini, so why not?
The last pair I drove one of them every year, so I really wanted to see what happened and if it is still one of the strangest cars on the road.
| Fiat 500X 2019: pop star | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 1.4 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 5.7l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $18,600 |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
I rode the Pop Star, the second of two "regular" lineup models, the other being, er, the Pop. I drove a Special Edition in 2018 and it's not clear if it's a Special as there is also an Amalfi Special Edition. Anyway.
The $30,990 Pop Star (plus travel expenses) has 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker Beats stereo system, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, keyless entry and start, active cruise control, satellite navigation, automatic headlights, and wipers. , leather shifter and steering wheel, and a compact spare tire.
The Beats-branded stereo speakers feature FCA UConnect noise on a 7.0-inch touchscreen. The Maserati has the same system, don't you know? By offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, UConnect loses points by shrinking the Apple interface into an ominous red border. Android Auto fills the screen properly, which is kind of ironic given that Apple owns the Beats brand.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10
Look, I like the 500X, but I know why people don't. It's clearly a 500X in the way the Mini Countryman is a Mini. It's similar to the 500, but get closer and you'll see the difference. He's plump like a statue of Bhudda at a $10 weekend market and has big bulging eyes like Mr. Magoo. I like it, but my wife doesn't. Appearance is not the only thing she dislikes.
The cabin is a bit more understated, and I really like the stripe of color that runs across the dashboard. The 500X is meant to be more grown-up than the 500 so it has the right dash, smarter design choices, but it still has big buttons perfect for the meaty fingers of people who won't buy this car.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
At just 4.25 meters long, the 500X is small but makes the most of its capabilities. The trunk is impressive: 350 liters, and with the seats folded down, I think you could reasonably expect to triple that figure, although Fiat doesn't have an official number that I can find. To add an Italian touch, you can tilt the passenger seat forward to accommodate extra long items, like Ikea's Billy flat bookshelf.
Rear-seat passengers sit high and straight, which means maximum leg and knee room, and with a roof that high, you won't scratch your head.
There's a small bottle holder in each door for a total of four, and Fiat has taken cup holders seriously - the 500X now has four.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
Fiat's rather excellent 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo engine runs under the short bonnet, delivering 103kW and 230Nm. Less efficient is the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which only sends power to the front wheels.
The 1.4-litre Fiat MultiAir turbo engine develops 103 kW and 230 Nm. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels only.
It is designed to tow a trailer weighing 1200 kg with brakes and 600 kg without brakes.
How much fuel does it consume? 6/10
Fiat is pretty optimistic that you'll get a combined cycle figure of 5.7L/100km, but try as I might, I couldn't get more than 11.2L/100km. To make matters worse, it requires 98 octane fuel, so it's not the cheapest car to run. This figure is consistent with past weeks at 500X, and no, I didn't spin it.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10
Out of the box you get seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction control, forward collision warning, AEB high and low speed, active cruise control, roll stability, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind sensor zones and rear cross traffic alert. . That's not bad for a $30,000 full stop car, let alone a Fiat.
There are two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchorages for child seats.
In December 500, 2016X received a five-star ANCAP rating.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / 150,000 km
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
Fiat offers a three-year warranty or 150,000 km, plus roadside assistance for the same period. This is not good, as more manufacturers are moving to a five-year term.
Service intervals occur once a year or 15,000 km. There is no fixed or limited price maintenance program for 500X.
What is it like to drive? 6/10
Again, I shouldn't like the 500X, but I really don't mind. It's broken, maybe that's why.
Driving is very jerky below 60 km/h.
A dual-clutch gearbox is dumber than a dangling-gear box, twitching from the get-go and looking the other way when you expect it to shift. We know the engine is good, and I think part of the reason it's so greedy is because the transmission isn't working the way it should. I'd like to ride the mechanics to see what it's like.
The 500X initially feels worse than its Jeep Renegade sibling under the skin, which is quite an achievement. This is partly due to the ride, which is very choppy below 60 km/h. The first 500X I rode was wobbly, but this one is a bit stiffer, which would be nice if you weren't penalized by that springiness.
The seats themselves are comfortable, and the cabin is a pleasure to sit in. He is also fairly quiet, which belies the old-fashioned silliness of his demeanor. It feels like the Labrador has been let out of the house after a day of being kept inside.
The steering wheel is too thick and at an odd angle.
And that's where the car that I shouldn't like is the car that I like - I really like that you feel like you're on Roman cobblestones, the kind that hurts your knees when you walk all over them. day. The steering wheel is too thick and at a weird angle, but you sort of adjust to it and drive like your life depends on it. You must take him by the scruff of the neck, adjust the shifts with oars and show who is the boss in the house.
In December 500, 2016X received a five-star ANCAP rating.
Obviously it's not for everyone. If you drive very carefully, it's a very different experience, but it means you'll drive slowly everywhere, which is not fun at all and not Italian at all.
Verdict
The 500X is a fun looking alternative to the various options available from everyone else, and overall it handles better than its Renegade twin.
It has a very good security package that you can't ignore, but it loses points on the warranty and maintenance regime. But it's also designed to comfortably carry four adults, something few cars in this segment can boast of.
Would you prefer the Fiat 500X to one of its better known competitors? Tell us in the comments section below.
