Fiat refreshes its 500X range 29 | 08 | 2018
FIAT HAS GIVEN its 500X a proper midlife facelift. The new model — available in two distinct formats — now includes not only a revised look, but new driver assistance features and petrol engines. The range is on-sale now at Scottish dealerships priced from priced from £16,995. (Related: Alfa Giulia Veloce Ti gets Quadrofoglio parts)
While the Urban model features new front and rear bumpers, the more Cross version boasts a more rugged look thanks to new aluminium-look skidplates at the front, plus its bumpers are more off-road inspired than those on the 500X Urban. The Cross is available as a plush Cross Plus car, too. (Related: Fiat launches 500 Mirror editions)
Both versions gain new daytime running lights and LED taillights with fresh lighting signatures while, for the first time, the Cross Plus gets new LED headlights.
Inside, the design changes — like those on the exterior — are fairly limited. Not only has the instrument cluster — located behind a new steering wheel — been subtly redesigned, Fiat claims it’s now easier to read. Look closely and you’ll also spot that some of the switchgear around the central infotainment display has also been redesigned.
As for tech upgrades, all versions now come with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. There’s also integrated Bluetooth, plus compatibility with Fiat’s Uconnect app for TomTom navigation.
And while blind spot detectors, adaptive cruise control and city brake control are boxes that can be ticked on the options list, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist are now equipped as standard on every 500X model.
But it’s under the bonnet where the biggest changes have been made. The 500X is the latest Fiat-Chrysler vehicle to adopt the group’s new family of all-aluminium modular petrol engines.
There’s a new turbocharged 1.0-litre delivering 118bhp and 190Nm of torque through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s also a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder, producing 148bhp and 270Nm of torque. This petrol unit is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The entry-level remains 108bhp 1.6-litre E-Torq petrol unit. It has though been updated to meet the latest Euro 6D emissions standards.
Prices for the updated car — on-sale now at Scottish dealerships — start at £16,995 for the entry level Urban model powered by the 1.6-litre 108bhp E-Torq engine. It comes with simple cruise control system and 16in alloys, in addition to the new standard equipment.
The more rugged 500X City Cross starts at £18,995 for the 1.0-litre version, rising to £21,195 for the more powerful 1.3-litre car. In addition to a 3.5-inch TFT display embedded in the instrument panel, automatic climate control and rear parking sensor, it benefits from 17in alloys satin chrome inserts and body-coloured door mirrors.
The range-topping Cross Plus, again available with the 1.0-litre or 1.3-litre engine, is priced from £20,995 and £23,195 respectively. In addition to 18in alloys and LED headlights, it gets dark tinted rear windows and roof bars. The cabin also benefits from an upgraded infotainment unit, featuring navigation and a reversing camera system, plus a front armrest.
Related: Front-wheel drive Panda City Cross
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill