It was almost inevitable that a crossover would eventually be joining the growing Fiat 500 family. The 500 line is a fashion-led product, and compact crossovers are the sector of the moment. It is actually not that compact but not large enough to prove an inconvenience in our daily struggle sourcing parking slots.
Fiat's foray into this niche meant that a certain amount of substance was essential to accompany the style and this is where the Fiat and Jeep merger (amongst other brands) reaps it benefits. The 500X shares not only its platform with the charismatic Jeep Renegade but also an optional four-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The cabin quality is perhaps the best Fiat has ever produced, and you can sense there's been real attention paid to its engineering.
Looks wise some people will be no doubt view the 500X as a 500 that has been pumped full of steroids. In fact this in itself only enhances its overall appeal and converts the 500's 'sweet' look into a more muscular, 5-door SUV, with plenty of chrome trimmings may I add. The silhouette and much of the detailing echoes the smaller (2007) original.
The 500X is offered with a choice of 'urban' (Pop, Pop Star and Lounge trim levels) and 'off-road' (Cross and Cross Plus). Unlike its non-identical Jeep Renegade twin I did not spot a little 1980's Panda 4x4 climbing the windscreen, one gets the traditional coloured dash of other 500 models, seats with round headrests, a part-digital dial cluster and the genuine impression that a lot of attention to detail went through the design process.
The car I was handed over was a Pop Star version (front wheel drive) with a very lively 1.6lt diesel mutlijet engine (118bhp) delivering all the performance most buyers will ever need. All versions come with a 'Drive Mood' selector, basically Fiat's version to the Alfa Romeo DNA switch, giving you a choice of Normal, Sport and All-weather driving modes - the latter becoming Traction on off-road variants. The 500X trades a touch of ride comfort for keen cornering capability. It leans, yes, but always feels in control and is overall a lovely car for a spirited drive at speed. The ride is not uncomfortable but can feel hard over our poorly surfaced back roads.
Overall very few complaints, in fact quite positively surprised. I like the 500-like interior yet this is more upmarket and the car has a solid feel to it throughout. The car comes equipped with an Uconnect TomTom-powered satnav system allowing you to keep up to date with social networks on the move and features DAB radio. Five adults fit comfortably inside the 500X and the 350-litre boot will swallow plenty of shopping. Standard equipment on higher specced models also includes autonomous braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. Fiat has taken a serious look at itself and the competition, and produced something that feels well made, neat and tidy to drive, and looks distinctively stylish.