Fiat 500X 2015 review

The new 500X is pivotal to Fiat's future Down Under. Built to take on cars like Mazda's CX-3 and Holden Traxx, it positions the quintessentially Italian brand in one of the fastest growing segments of the marketplace: small SUVs. And that means it not only has real potential to boost Fiat's sales Down Under but to also become the brand's biggest seller.

To date, Fiat has been a brand-in-waiting. What Aussie sales it has garnered have been almost entirely made up of two vehicle ranges at the very ends of its product portfolio – at the b-i-g end, it's Fiat Professional's Ducato vans; at the other, the 500, the car maker's signature micro-hatch line-up.

The 500X, however, arrives in a sweet spot – and one that's growing fast. The good news for Fiat is that it ticks most small softroader purchasers' boxes.

Although the newcomer shares much with Jeep Renegade, it has a character and a feel all its own. At the very first look, there's enough of the classic Cinquecento's looks inside and out to encourage existing Fiat fans, but not so much as to turn-off newcomers, nor compromise packaging.

The familial looks work surprisingly well, but they don't pigeonhole the car. That's a good thing as its layout and dimensions are bang on for the segment. The 500X rides on an identical wheelbase to the just-released Mazda and all but matches it in length, yet yields more luggage space, and we'd estimate (albeit without the benefits of a direct comparison), better rear seat accommodation.

Fiat is placing significant emphasis on the launch of the 500X locally and Aussies will be spoiled for choice when it goes on sale Down Under in September. You'll be able to choose from five models across four grades. Most will be front-drive, with the single all-wheel-drive model topping the line-up.

All are petrol; no turbo-diesel 500Xs will be sold locally.

Fiat Australia is yet to announce pricing but hints the line-up will sit mid-field when compared to the marketplace. I only hope the product planners at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia (FCA) don't get too carried away with the brand's ability to carry a pricing premium. It can't!

At the entry-level, the front-drive-only 500X Pop is powered by a 103kW/230Nm version of Fiat's MultiAir II 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder powerplant matched to a good old-fashioned six-speed manual.

There will be the option of Fiat's new six-speed dual-clutch auto, however, that will be at additional cost.

Standard equipment looks generous. The Pop gets power windows, air-con and 16-inch alloys, and powered mirrors and cruise control are also included. Seven airbags and stability control head up the safety suite and although still to be confirmed, Fiat Australia says reversing cameras will be standard on all grades.

The rear seat is a 60:40 split fold and like many FCA group vehicles, the Pop also features a fold-flat front passenger seat to facilitate the carriage of long loads.

The mid-range 500X is the Pop Star, which matches the Pop in mechanical spec, but adds extra equipment. Auto lights and wipers, 17-inch alloys, Fiat Mood Selector drive-mode system (Auto, Sport and All Weather) and keyless entry and start are all standard on top of the entry-level car's list.

Instead of a five-inch screen, the Pop Star's centre stack features a 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system (with satnav on the examples we tested) and the interior is upgraded with two-tone seats and surfacing.

Pop Star will be dual-clutch auto equipped as standard Down Under. Expect an autonomous braking option to also be available from this mid-grade level up.

Next step up the model walk is the 500X Lounge. Powered by a 125kW/250Nm version of Fiat's 1.4 turbo, the Lounge is also auto-only, this time a nine-speed conventional epicyclic automatic. The gearbox is the same high-spec ZF unit used in various Jeep and Land Rover models.

The Lounge grade adds privacy glass, dual-zone air, further interior trim upgrades and a premium BEATS audio system. The instrument panel is augmented with a central in-gauge 3.5-inch 'smart' display (which can deliver navigation and other info) and the Lounge's alloy wheels step up another inch to 18.

As noted above, at the top of the Fiat 500X range will be the all-wheel drive Cross Plus which uses the same engine and gearbox as the Lounge. Additional equipment includes a body kit in an off-road style, alternative 18-inch alloys, HID headlights and roof rails.

Interestingly, Fiat has chosen not to follow Jeep's lead to offer a larger (2.4-litre) naturally-aspirated petrol engine in the top 500X. For my money this is a smart move – better to align the Euro-brand with the group's latest technology turbocharged, downsized engines.

The 500X's all-wheel drive system also differs from the Jeep's fully off-road capable set-up. Instead Fiat uses a 'Traction Plus' electronic brake traction control system that the company claims "improves grip on rough, slippery terrain, and costs less and has lower emissions than a conventional four- wheel drive, proving more efficient in light, everyday off-road use".

No sign of hill descent control on the Aussie spec list yet, either.

Fiat claims 0-100km/h time of 8.6sec for the 125kW vehicles, with the 103kW Pop and Pop Star pegged at 9.8sec. No local fuel consumption stats have been confirmed, however Fiat UK specs suggest the 103kW engine will yield a combined figure of around 6.0L/100km.

Both engine variants get auto stop-start that should help real world fuel consumption – at least in the cut and thrust of urban areas.

Our drive of the 500X was limited to one variant and powertrain – alas not a combination that will be sold Down Under. Nonetheless, the manual 103kW Pop Star and Lounge grade vehicles we sampled in the countryside around Fiat's traditional homeport of Turin acquitted themselves well.

First impressions are of a car that is well suited to both inner city and outer-urban life. This is a car that's light on its feet and 'friendly' to both driver and passengers. The cabin is bright and airy, sightlines are good, and unlike some of its ilk, the flat beltline means small children will be able to see out of the rear windows.

There's good rear passenger space (I could easily sit behind a 180cm driver) and cabin quality and ambience are impressive. Luggage space is more generous than many of the current crop.

As noted in our news story Fiat is making much of its "extensive use of high-grade materials, top quality finishes and practical storage compartments" in the 500X's cabin. For once the Italian hyperbole is only mildly off the mark. It's a nice place to spend time.

Even in 103kW trim there's enough get up and go. The combination of a little turbo lag and a paucity of torque at very low revs can mean getting the manual off the line cleanly requires a little finesse. As all but a handful of 500Xs sold Down Under will be auto that's not of great consequence.

In contrast to our first drive of the 500X late last year the ride of the vehicles we drove was commendable. Body control was good and even deliberately seeking out bumps didn't significantly upset the car or its passengers. It's a given we'll need to wait to drive locally specced cars to deliver a final verdict but our latest drive suggests changes have been made.

Being limited to manual-only vehicles means we can't update you on whether recalibration of the nine-speed gearbox has improved things. Nor have we driven the twin-clutch six-speeder. Again these impressions will have to wait until later this year.

The 500X drives more like a well-sorted hatch than the average softroader and that's good news for the brand.

Some questions remain, not the least of all pricing – Mazda's $20K starting price for CX-3 will set a new benchmark for the class.

As we said up front, the 500X is a goodie. Buyers brave enough to step outside the square and test this Fiat will be rewarded with a refined, competent and stylish drive – with a difference.

Whether that will be enough to convince them to part with the dollars is another thing...