Fiat 500X 2016 Review

Fiat 500X Lounge
Road Test

A late-comer to the compact SUV segment, Fiat's 500X wedges itself into the twenty-something-strong line-up with which Australians are somewhat smitten. Priced from $28,000 (plus on-road costs) and with four models to choose from, this pint-sized SUV brings options and attitude in equal parts. But is it worth the outlay?

With a more unique character than many in this class, the Fiat 500X offering feels akin to the quirky Nissan JUKE and Renault's Captur. Keep in mind it may also be cross-shopped against cheaper segment players including the Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi ASX and Honda HR-V.

One notch down from the top-spec Cross Plus ($39,000) is where our test vehicle, the 500X Lounge sits. It is priced at $38,000 (plus on-road costs). That makes it $10k dearer than the entry-level Pop, which immediately challenges its value-for-money equation. More on that in a minute...

The 500X Lounge is offered with one engine only – a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol which delivers 125kW/250Nm. By comparison, a 2.0-litre petrol-powered Mazda CX-3 makes 109kW/192Nm, and can be had for $19,990. Indeed, the Fiat as heaps more torque. But again, I'm getting ahead of myself.

In the case of the Lounge model on test we find a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard. Entry-level Pop and Pop Star models run a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission, and are front-wheel drive only.

The familiar styling of the 500X is at odds with its jacked-up height and beefed-up body. It takes many of its styling cues from the 500 hatch, but is actually based on the larger Fiat Punto (a platform it shares with twin-under-the-skin Jeep Renegade). Some find it cute, but it made me cringe a little. Though that's not to say it isn't without its merits.

When Fiat dubbed this model the Lounge, they weren't kidding. It's supremely comfortable – I'm talking Jason recliner here – with leather so soft you can almost forgive the asking price. Padded armrests complement the cushy upholstery, and add to that lounge-chair feel. Bear in mind, the leather upholstery fitted to our test vehicle is optional, and adds $2500 to the list price.

Seated comfortably, you're faced with a modern yet busy interior. It feels more petite than the 'X' badge may conjure, but still manages to house a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen for the Dr Dre-inspired infotainment array.

The 500X Lounge includes satellite navigation, a push-button ignition, Bluetooth connectivity (for audio and telephony), dual-zone climate control, voice control, and a rear-view camera. There are sockets for SD, USB and 3.5mm audio connectivity.

A smaller 3.5-inch screen set in the instrument cluster allows a variety of displays, including a digital speedo and navigation cues. Handy!

Safety technology is also top-notch, with features once only found in more expensive cars. Forward collision and lane-departure warnings are included, as are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Curiously, and in spite of this -- and the front, side and curtain airbags -- the 500X manages only a four-star EuroNCAP safety rating. Fiat tells us the model will be tested independently by ANCAP soon.

In-cabin storage is good, with decent door pockets, a dual-compartment glovebox, deep lidded armrest, two cup-holders and other assorted oddment storage.

On the go, steering feel in the 500X is adequate with a nice level of involvement. The body is composed with minimal body roll – it's not jacked up as high as it looks – and feels well planted on its standard 18-inch alloys. There's considerable tyre noise, however, meaning you'll need to turn the BeatsAudio system up nice and loud.

The nine-speed automatic was a sticking point. It steps off cleanly, but in Drive is indecisive once on the go. With so many ratios on offer the 500X seems hard-pressed to find the right one. It's like an awkward tween in heels, dreading every step. Thank God for those beautiful seats...

Adjustable drive modes – or 'mood selectors' – disguise some of the transmission's shortcomings. The three-mode selector offers Auto, Sport or All Weather modes. Sport is the only mode that really allows the engine's personality to shine, and seems to awaken the exhaust note too. It's considerably more fun to drive in Sport, feeling more responsive and with more decisive up-shifts.

With three passengers on board the second-row is snug, and headroom is limited. But for kids it's brilliant. On the downside, there are no face-level ventilation outlets to the backseats. This, combined with the dual-pane glass sunroof (optional at $2000), means it took some time to completely cool the cabin. A factor worth considering in hot Aussie summers.

Luggage capacity is roughly the same as any regular hatch with 350 litres. The rear seats can be split 60:40 to add a smidge more versatility.

But it's the 500X's price point that continues to nag, particularly at Lounge level. Pegged against the likes of the Mazda CX-3, (from $19,990 -- $37,690) or the popular new Honda HR-V (from $24,990 -- $32,990) it's a pricey contender to say the least.

The Fiat 500X has an ADR Combined cycle figure of 6.7L/100km which jumps to 8.5L around town. On test, and through a mix of city and freeway driving, we managed 11.0L.

The 500X is offered with a three-year/150,000km warranty and three-year roadside assistance as standard. Service intervals are set annually or every 15,000km (whichever comes first).

Metallic paint adds between $500 and $1800 to the list price, depending on hue. Our Toscana Green test car attracted a $500 premium, taking the car's total list price to $43,000 before on-road costs.

Fiat's first run at the compact SUV is convincing (yes, I'm ignoring the Panda). It has many of the bases covered, particularly for style-conscious buyers.

Still, I can't help feeling it should be cheaper...

2016 Fiat 500X Lounge pricing and specifications:
Price: $38,000 (plus on-road costs) / $43,000 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 125kW/250Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 157g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star EuroNCAP

Also consider:
>> Mazda CX-3 (from $19,990 plus ORCs)
>> Honda HR-V (from $24,990 plus ORCs)
>> Renault Captur (from $22,990 plus ORCs)