Fiat 500x 1.6 Multijet 120 Pop Star review
What is it?
THE latest compact crossover extension of the MINI-rivalling 500 range, designed to take on both the MINI Countryman and Skoda Yeti.
The 500x shares its underpinnings and is built in the same factory as the Jeep Renegade, plus the Fiat is available in two different versions – a smoother more road-biased option, or a cross version better suited to light off-roading.
What’s hot?
- The previous 500L and 500XL MPVs were no beauties, but the 500x has to be the best-looking member of the 500 family since the supermini original. Most successful at the front, we like the way the 500’s charismatic circular headlights are stretched around the curvy contours of the new car.
- Move inside and the driving position is good, as it is lower and more spacious than the original 500 .
- The 118bhp 1.6 Multijet diesel fitted in this 500x feels buzzy and lumpy around town, however things get better once you hit the motorway where it’s more hushed and feels willing and torquey with 320 Nm.
- This engine is well-matched to the slick six-speed manual transmission.
- Considering its taller stance, the 500x is an impressively confident handler. Body control is tight and there’s plenty of grip.
- Fiat are aiming the 500x 1.6-litre Multijet versions at SME company car buyers with the 68.9mpg Combined Cycle figure and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.
- The 109g/km CO2 emissions mean the Fiat 500x 1.6 MultiJet falls into the 19% company car tax band for 2015/16.
- Company car tax starts from £60 a month