2017 Fiat 500X : The better modern Fiat that isn't a Mazda underneath.

By Mustaqim Jaed at May 05, 2017 Post a Comment

2017 Fiat 500X

Overview : Introduced for 2016 as a platform-mate to the Jeep Renegade--and the largest member of the Cinquecento family--the 500 X is Fiat Chrysler's Italian loafer in the popular class of micro-utes. As with the adorably tiny Jeep, the Fiat crossover becomes standard with front-wheel drive and is powered by a turbocharged 1.4 -liter inline-four that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The basi turbo machine is copulated alone to a six-speed manual transmission, which means that going the optional ZF nine-speed automatic likewise compels succession the naturally aspirated 2.4 -liter four-cylinder ($ 1500) that spouts out 180 mares but just 175 lb-ft of torque. Base sits roll on 16 -inch steel wheels, but aluminum 16 -, 17 -, and 18 -inchers are available. An all-wheel-drive organisation can be had only with the 2.4, for an extra $1900.

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The 500 X forgoes the Renegade's boxy sort in favor of a sculpted jellybean theme that it wears quite well. While it's not best available to drive in its class--the 500 X finished fourth, behind the Renegade, in a six-ute comparison test we held in 2015--all explanations carry EPA estimates of at least 29 mpg on the route, and a substantial number of amenities and safety-tech peculiarities are available if you're willing to pay for them.

2017 Fiat 500X

What's New : As it's still comparatively fresh to the market, the 500 X changes hardly for 2017. Trim grades have been pared down to just three--Pop, Trekking, and Lounge--with exclusively the Pop available with the 1.4 turbo and the attach. The Trekking hires extra satin-silver form garmenting front and rear for a more rocky aesthetic, while the Lounge adds a few more chrome fragments for a shiny vibe. The 500 X's standard peculiarities are accurately categorized as basic, the better to keep the starting premium at a low-grade $20,990, though you can ascent from the basi 3.0 -inch central touchscreen to a 5.0 -inch Uconnect system as well as compute a rearview camera and a parking-assist organisation within the framework of the $895 Popular Equipment package. A 6.5 -inch infotainment expose, heated tushes and steering wheel, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warn and assist, and other comforts are limited to the grander pare grades. Our pattern for this review was a Trekking with AWD, which started at $26,245 and rocketed past $32,000 with a load of options, including dominance and searing front seats, leather upholstery, 18 -inch wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, every available safety engineering, and the top-level Uconnect system with navigation and payment Beats stereo.

What We Like : The 500 X's styling is vivacious and charming, stand in striking compare to the larger Fiat 500 L, which is bloated and strange-looking. FCA's Uconnect touchscreen interface is highly accept and one of "the worlds largest" intuitive in the business. While the Pop model's level of equipment is rather scant, the 1.4 with the manual gearbox is also possible amusing and is highly inexpensive, and it's also nearly a second quicker than the AWD 2.4 version both to 60 mph( 7.8 seconds) and through the quarter-mile( 16 tickings flat ). The 500 X's 163 -foot stop from 70 mph was surfaces in the above-mentioned likenes test, and its interior racket level at 70 mph( 69 decibels) bind the Kia Soul for first place. And we're all for small, practical vehicles with lots of the characteristics and respectable ergonomics, both of which the Fiat has.

2017 Fiat 500X

What We Don't Like : The 500 X's initial request plummets as soon as you pile on the options or make the open artery. The $32,255 that our pattern overhead would buy a pretty nice Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5, both of which are larger, most powerful, and can be similarly equipped. And neither will try to dive into the pavement under braking or roll onto its feature reflects around regions as the 500 X does.( The Honda triumphed a 10 Best Truck and SUVs award for 2017 as our very best compact SUV .) What's more, the Fiat has one of the tightest cabins in its class, rivaling the itty-bitty Mazda CX -3, and absence the interior caliber we are looking forward in a vehicle at this premium. Additionally, rear-seat equestrians must do without shows or dominance outlets.

The good information is that the 2.4 -liter sit joined its EPA compounded rating in our testing; the bad news is that, at 24 mpg, the above figures was second to worst among its comparison-test peers. Along with its floppy dynamics and sketchy, numb steering that is managed via an overly thick rotation that doesn't tilt down far enough for some motorists, the 2.4 -liter/ nine-speed combo acquires for tedious route cruising; the automated bouncings among ratios at the slightest throttle insult. While most of the 500 X's issues can seem less shocking at a most reasonable premium object, if you're fine with expend close to $30 K on a subcompact crossover, the 2017 Kia Soul--another 10 Best Truck and SUVs laureate--is a far better investment.