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  • Fiat 500X (2023) – First Drive Impression

A contender in the B-SUV Segment that's driven by character and enjoyment, the Fiat 500X gets an update for the 2023 model year. In addition, we tried out the Extendable Soft Top variant.

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Bellissima

Fiat, with its 500 model range has – for the longest time – been the symbol of Italian motoring. That torch has been held high and the flame has been burning bright since the model range’s relaunch in 2006.

With the general uptake of crossovers, here enters the 500X, essentially a bigger version of the compact 500 hatchback. Making it more versatile and spacious for either the style-conscious individual or the family that wants a little curb appeal. Today, we were given the opportunity to sample the updated 500X with a new addition to the range, the 500X EST (Extendable Soft Top). Versatility, style and wind in your hair. We’ll take it!

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

Styling

The Fiat 500X aims to epitomise Italian design while also being a fun vehicle to drive too. The 500X takes the confidently cute and welcoming roundness of the 500, not only making it bigger and adding a second pair of doors but adding ruggedness to its look. This is especially prevalent in the Sport trim which of course, adds sporty elements such as bigger, more outspoken 19-inch wheels, a large rear spoiler, a rear diffuser and a full body-coloured front bumper.

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

To add to the flair of this vehicle, you have an extra trim level, the Sport EST which stands for Extended Soft Top. The operation is much like a panoramic sunroof except instead of being glass, fabric material is used and the whole roof opens up and is operational at speeds under 100 km/h. Upon our testing thereof, we expected wind noise but, interestingly, at speeds near 100 km/h, the cabin was relatively quiet. Well executed and it certainly adds to the style, we’d say. It’s not to say the base spec 500X Cross is spartan though, it still has some style to go with it. If you want curb appeal, well the Fiat 500X has it.

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

Interior and Technology

The Fiat 500X’s interior employs a chic Italian Design that makes it a welcoming place. The shapes of the various interior components are rounded and soft as opposed to sharp and angular, even down to the seats too with their circular headrests. Soft-touch materials and faux leather are found across the cabin from the door cards to the dash. The only hard surfaces being the dash trim deck board, finished in satin grey and a ‘500’ badge being the accenting piece. The seats are on the firmer side but comfortable enough and supportive for larger body frames too. Switchgear like the air conditioning controls is easy to access and easy to see. There is a full-sized spare wheel in the boot and the boot space capacity is rated at 245 litres with the rear seats folded up and up to 910 litres with the rear seats folded down.

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

The infotainment touchscreen, although neatly presented, does feel like it’s on the smaller side at 7-inches large, but it is legible for the most part. The Sport trim’s interior, unfortunately, doesn’t differentiate itself too much from the Cross trim though. Notable additions being an Alcantara and leather D-shape steering wheel and Alcantara gauge cluster shade. Some more sporty elements to match the exterior would have been welcomed such as seat finishes complementing the steering wheel. It’s also nice to see analogue gauges in a time where digital rules the crossover world mostly. As you’d expect, the EST lets in a significant amount of light and air into the cabin. Perhaps an extra blind shade would help for the extra sunny days, unless you want a tan, of course.

Technology-wise you’ll find:

  • 3.5″ Instrument colour TFT display
  • 7″ Infotainment touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Digital Audio Broadcast
  • Stop & Start technology
  • Automatic Headlights (Dusk and Dawn)
  • Electronically Extended Soft Top

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

Drive and Handling

Powering the 500X range is a 1.4-litre turbocharged mill producing 103 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 6-Speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The power is adequate for this style of vehicle. For puttering about smoothly in town, it’s fine. On the open road we’d argue the engine could do with perhaps an extra 20 kW, but even without it, the engine and drivetrain combo feels fine. This is also taking into account that the vehicle’s kerb weight is 1360kg. Claimed combined fuel consumption is at 5.7 l/100km which is quite decent.

Handling-wise, the 500X is more suitable for urban environments and open smooth roads. You’ll find 18-inch wheels on the Cross trim and 19-inch wheels on the Sport trim. The ride quality does absorb bumps well but errs more to the firmer side. On rougher tarmac, you will notice tyre noise permeating into the cabin. This applies to both trims. However, this writer can excuse much of this because handling on the 500X is sharp and compliant on winding roads. While there isn’t too much feedback into the steering wheel with its sheer lightness of it, the vehicle feels easy to steer and can tango on open roads quite nicely.

This car is easy to drive. The size of it shouldn’t intimidate you.

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

Safety

You’ll find the following safety features in the 500X

  • VDC – Vehicle Dynamic Control ( Vehicle Stability System)
  • Cruise Control
  • Airbags- Driver, Passenger, Front Seat-mounted side, front and rear side curtain.
  • Electronic roll mitigation
  • Hill Hold Control
  • Rear Parking Camera
  • Lane Keep Assist

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

Verdict

The Fiat 500X is a vehicle for the style-conscious who wants something that drives-well and doesn’t complicate matters with too much technology. It’s a get-in-and-drive affair and looks good doing-it kind of car. It’s got an attractive chic-Italian design and the driving essentials for what you need on a daily basis. The vehicle looks at simplicity and the joy that the theme can bring to someone that owns this vehicle. Some would be left wanting a little more feature-wise but that’s not the point of this vehicle. You can style a little harder now with the Extended Soft Top roof though, it’s a welcome feature.

fiat 500x (2023) - first drive impression

Pricing

Fiat 500X 1.4T Cross from R509 900
Fiat 500X 1.4T Sport from R560 900
Fiat 500X 1.4T Sport EST from R580 900

*The Fiat 500X comes with 3 year/60 000km Service Plan and 5 year/100 000km warranty. Prices stated here were corrected at the time of publishing and are subject to change without notice.

 Tayedza MbiriStarting his petrol-infused passion at a ripe young age playing a plethora of racing video games, Taye has been into the motoring industry for years. During his university years studying Law, he dipped his toes into motoring photography, videography, and exploring what Southern Africa has to offer for the motoring scene at large. Most recently, he presented a YouTube series for a famous Japanese manufacturer and now finds himself fresh on the AutoTrader content creation team. He hopes to own a 90s Subaru one day soon. View News & Reviews

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