The Fiat 500X was leaked to the public for the first time sometime at the end of 2012. However, the Italian automaker kept the most masculine member of the 500 family a secret until this year's Paris Motor Show and even sent an American twin in the form of the Jeep Renegade as a vanguard. It really did well, but is the 500X the same?
First of all, it must be said that while the Renegade looks like a real off-road model, and thanks to its affiliation with the Jeep brand, many would believe it, the 500X is a typical hunter of tabloid views . The lower body, which slopes more quickly at the rear, is more aerodynamically efficient than the Renegade, but not more effective. Especially if you choose the softer looking version with painted bumpers , which looks better in real life than in the promo photos. As it happens, the more interesting of the 500X pair is the more adventurous Cross version with plastic bumpers and fender skirts. However, a lot depends on the chosen color, because ivory or almost white color does not suit the compact SUV very well, I would also like slightly smaller rear lights without a chrome frame. Nevertheless, after the classic 500, the 500X is certainly the nicest representative of the entire model range.
The competitor of Nissan Juke or Renault Captur is very suitable for a stylish interior , based on the classic 500, but unfortunately it also suffers from all the same ailments. I am mainly referring to the headrests , which, even though they are covered with fabric or leather, do not hide who knows what kind of comfort, and I would probably not want to drive with them for a long distance in the car. On the other hand, the space on the front seats is very pleasant, and there is plenty of it in all directions. The steering wheel holds well and even the alarm clocks in separate tubes are easy to read. I must also highlight the ergonomics, where you can find everything at hand where you expect it, but from an aesthetic point of view, I would perhaps change the location of the multimedia system and the ventilation outlets. In the better equipped versions, I really liked the leather upholstery and painted dashboard, which does not look too plastic or too cheap. What I would point out, on the other hand, is the limited space in the back seats . Although I fit into the Renegade relatively comfortably and had some space left, here I had little room both in front of my knees and above my head.
The Fiat 500X will arrive at domestic dealers only next year , so until then the queue of people interested in a small SUV has time to decide which of today's offers is the right one. I can't say that the Italian representative is bad, but like other Italian cars, you have to learn to like it as it is.
Note: The author is not a photographer, so please excuse the possible reduced quality of the images
