by Kelly Fisher
I’ve owned a Fiat Panda for four years now, so I’m no stranger to Fiat ownership and the Fiat experience. Over time, I’ve become won over by many small(ish) Fiats, including the Fiat 500 and Panda HP, and I’ve stayed interested in the brand due to its evolving style.
When the recently updated Fiat 500X arrived, I was eager to snatch the keys and get behind the wheel. The Fiat 500X is a stylish and fun-to-drive small crossover SUV that shares a platform with the Jeep Renegade. Its retro appearance is a standout feature, with sleek lines and a bold design that is sure to turn heads. 
This iteration has a new trim lineup, including Cross, Sport and Sport EST, the latter of which is a version that gives you an open-top cabriolet experience.
With the touch of a button, the electric folding system provides panoramic fresh air experiences, opening almost the entire roof area of the 500X Sport in just 15 seconds. The opening can be activated at speeds of up to 100km/h and has a one-touch opening function. The roof closes in two stages, allowing for greater flexibility.
Setting the 500X Sport apart from its Cross sibling are body-coloured wheel arch mouldings, side skirts, and 19-inch wheels that give it a more dynamic look, as well as Sport badging and dual chrome exhaust tips. The 500X Sport is also equipped with a techno-leather and Alcantara steering wheel, a titanium-styled finish on the dashboard, and a 3.5-inch TFT colour cluster. The Sport theme is completed with the binnacle cover finished in Alcantara.
The Fiat 500X Cross is equipped with roof rails and skid plates, black mirror caps, and sits on 18-inch wheels. The Cross offers a soft-touch steering wheel, courtesy light on the sun visor, as well as automatic dual-zone air conditioning.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 103 kW and 230 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a smooth six-speed DDCT transmission that shifts seamlessly. The steering can feel a bit light, but it makes for easy city driving and maneuverability. The engine feels sprightly, and overall, it’s a fun driving experience. Fuel consumption is a claimed 5,7-litres on a combined cycle.
Safety is also a top priority in the 500X, with standard features like six airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.
While I personally like the 500X and most modern Fiats, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for everyone. If you’re looking for good value, the 500X’s competitors probably offer more for less. The Fiat can get quite costly as you move up the range and customise the vehicle to your needs. However, if you’re looking for a funky city car that can handle parts of the road less traveled, the 500X is a good option. Ultimately, it’s important to shop around and choose the car that best suits your preferences and budget.
The cost of a Fiat 500X is R509 900 for the entry-level Cross, R560 900 for the Sport and R580 for the Sport EST, at the time of writing. This includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and road assistance, plus a 3-year/60 000km service plan.
