500X looks cute - just like the tiny 500 - but that disarming charm is really all it shares with the popular four-seat hatchback.
500X is an all-new, chunky five-door machine that sits in the compact crossover SUV sector. 500X is not an adapted 500L but a new car built on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade. Like the baby, Jeep 500X is a five-seater that is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
We drove a 1.6-litre 'MultiJet II' diesel with 120hp and a 1.4-litre 'Multiair II' with 140hp at the car's Irish launch. While the broad engine range features units shared with Jeep Renegade, 500X gets a 1.3 diesel (95hp) exclusively as its entry point later this year.
Petrol power also includes another 1.4-litre 'MultiAir' unit with 170hp and a 1.6-litre, petrol-powered 'E-torQ' with 110hp (due later). A 140hp, 2.0-litre is the largest diesel engine available.
500X comes in five styling forms: the more car-like 'Pop', 'Pop Star' and 'Lounge', and the other more SUV-like 'Cross' and 'Cross Plus'. Both Cross and Cross Plus are equivalent to Pop Star and Lounge in equipment levels, but only Cross and Cross Plus models have the option of two or four-wheel drive.
500X comes with a choice of six engines, three transmissions (manual, dual-clutch auto and nine-speed auto) and three traction options.
500X gets its version of Alfa Romeo's 'dna' switch called 'Mood Selector'. A rotary dial allows you select 'Auto', 'Sport' or 'All-Weather' - or the slightly different 'Traction' on Cross and Cross Plus. Auto lets engine power run in 'eco' mode and lightens the steering to the comfort setting. Sport gives a more dynamic drive as it 'ups' engine performance and adds weight to the normally light steering.
Like Jeep Renegade, 500X feels very tight on the road. It has been further tuned to deliver a more spirited driving experience than its relation. As you'd expect from a new car these days connectivity features prominently and the 'UConnect' set-up (on all versions bar Pop) features bluetooth and allows app integration etc while TomTom navigation software also features. A 'BeatsAudio' sound system is available in 500X.
Slightly bigger than a MINI Countryman, 500X feels compact on the road. The fun-to-drive hatchback is versatile, too. Folding seats, good access and a boot that holds 350 litres of cargo will help it appeal to family buyers. The driving position is good and if you want a marginally taller driving position, get an AWD version with its greater ground clearance.
500X prices start at a headline-grabbing on-the-road price of €19,750. But, more importantly, FIAT can boast nine models under the magical €25.5K mark. This price point would get you a nice Golf or Focus, so 500X really puts the cat among the pigeons.
500X will help FIAT rebuild its reputation in Ireland and while it only has 11 dealers at present, the Italian giant is hoping to grow its dealer network. In a full year of 500X sales, FIAT hopes to shift 600 units in Ireland.
500X is a car for those who like to think a little out of the box. FIAT 500X is an interesting machine that we like a lot.
Michael Sheridan
