In early 2012, Italian designers for the first time presented to the general public a conceptual version of the Fiat 500X model. The technical characteristics and appearance of this small crossover even then interested many potential buyers. Along with this, the appearance of the production version had to wait more than two years. His official debut took place in October last year as part of the international automobile exhibition in Paris.
general description
The implementation of new items in Europe should begin in the very near future. As for deliveries to the domestic market, representatives of the manufacturer have not yet named a specific start date. Moreover, they are not sure yet for sure whether the model will be sold in Russia at all.
Be that as it may, buyers (so far only European) will have options for cars with full or plug-in front-wheel drive. Another interesting feature of the model is that the designers created two stylistic versions of the Fiat 500X. Their characteristics among themselves practically do not differ. Along with this, the first version of the car is designed for use in urban environments. It is equipped with standard bumpers and a small plastic body kit. As for the second modification, it is more suitable for lovers of country recreation, so the designers equipped it with other bumpers and more powerful plastic protection.
Exterior
Overall, the exterior of the car is very attractive and typically Italian. This becomes clear already at the first glance at the new Fiat 500X. The photos of the car are an additional confirmation of the fact that in its appearance there are features of the five hundredth model that is beloved all over the world, as well as the motives that are characteristic of the small “500L” minivan. In the front of the novelty stand out headlights of an unusual shape, as well as original air intake openings. A rather large bumper catches your eye, just huge lights and a stylish spoiler. The side mirrors mounted on the support legs give the appearance of a car speaker. In the profile of the body should be noted large doorways and wheel arches, as well as a relatively short hood. According to many experts, in terms of style, the novelty should seriously compete with recognized leaders in this direction - cars that belong to the MINI brand.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the model in length, width and height are 4250x1800x1600 millimeters. At the same time, it should be noted that in the version with all-wheel drive, the car is 20 and 2 millimeters longer and higher, respectively. In addition, depending on the drive and the size of the wheels installed on the Fiat 500X, the vehicle’s ground clearance is between 185 and 200 millimeters.
Interior
Separate delightful words deserve how skillfully Italian designers were able to create in such a modest, at first glance, space, such a spacious and comfortable lounge. Inside, five medium-sized adult men can fit. This is not to say that they will feel very free. On the other hand, they will not be crowded either. The front seats are easy to fit and have good lateral support. The front panel is designed very practical, stylish and at the same time restrained. It is very convenient to read all the indications of the driver control systems. In general, when decorating the interior, designers preferred rather restrained decisions. Upholstery uses high quality materials. In addition, the developers thought through to the smallest detail even the most insignificant elements in the interior of the Fiat 500X. As for the volume of the luggage compartment, it is 350 liters.
Equipment
Already as standard, the novelty is equipped with an on-board computer with a 6.5-inch touch screen, air conditioning, modern multimedia and stabilization system, heated side mirrors and power windows on all doors. For an additional fee, you can install on your car a system to prevent unauthorized crossing of the dividing line on the highway, a program for tracking the presence of blind spots in obstacles, climate control. In addition, a potential buyer can order leather upholstery throughout the cabin.
Key Specifications
Quite good are the new Fiat 500X specifications. The base power unit for the model was a 1.4-liter engine, capable of developing power of 170 horsepower. It is used exclusively for cars with front-wheel drive. Besides him, the car is available with two options for diesel engines. The first of them has a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 120 “horses”. The second engine is a 140-horsepower unit with a volume of 2.0 liters. As for the transmission, both automatic and manual gearboxes are available. Both of them consist of six gears. In addition to them, for the version with all-wheel drive, it is possible to install a “machine” at nine speeds.
Control
According to many experts and the first owners of the Fiat 500X, the car leaves a rather mixed feeling of control. The new suspension is very stiff, so it works out small and even medium-sized irregularities in the road surface without any problems, without affecting passenger comfort.
The level of isolation from noise and vibration, although it can not be compared with that of the highest class models, but at the same time, even when driving at high speeds, the engine is not audible. The main complaints are related to
steering. The fact is that as soon as the speed reaches 120 km / h, it is more difficult to “catch” a car along the highway.
Main advantages and disadvantages
One of the main advantages that the Fiat 500X crossover boasts is its extraordinary appearance. It should be noted that the choice of the buyer, the manufacturer offers twelve color options, as well as eight different patterns of wheels for the car. The advantages include high build quality and finishing materials. The dynamics of the novelty is also at a high level (especially for modifications with the most powerful engines).
The Fiat 500X has only a few drawbacks. The main one is not the best steering. One can only hope that it was characteristic only for the tested pre-season version of the car and that the manufacturing company will eliminate it when the novelty is launched on the conveyor. Otherwise, without a doubt, the model will lose a significant share of potential buyers. This is not surprising, because the owners of more expensive competing cars (models from MINI) only praise the excellent handling from BMW. Another significant drawback of the novelty is its price. However, now it is typical for any imported car due to the purchase in foreign currency.
Conclusion
The cost of the Fiat 500X model in the European market in the most modest configuration (with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox) will start from a mark of 17.5 thousand euros. Even if the manufacturing company decides to start selling this car in Russia, it is unlikely that it will be in great demand and popularity. If we talk about the top version of the novelty, equipped with a two-liter diesel engine and automatic transmission, then for it will have to pay a little more than 30 thousand euros. And this is even without considering the possible installation of additional equipment and systems, which were discussed earlier.