Small hatchback wagons that can be ordered with all-wheel drive are all the rage these days, and that’s what might give the new Fiat 500X a shot at stardom.
From an engineering perspective, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now known as FCA) has developed a two-pronged approach that has the 500X and the Jeep division’s recently released 2015 Renegade sharing platforms and drivetrains. However, where the littlest Jeep’s design is decidedly whimsical in nature, the 500X’s lines are far more understated. The Fiat is also a more mature and practical version of the basic two-door Fiat 500 and is far more visually appealing than the microbus-looking 500L four-door that’s similar in size to the 500X.
There are more grown-up features to be found inside the 500X as well. The minimalist dash layout of the Fiat 500 gives way to a more elaborate triple gauge pod grouping and adjacent dominating touch-screen display that can be had in the 500X.
In back, it’s a tight squeeze for three adult passengers, as you might expect considering the car’s dimensions, but total passenger volume is actually a bit more than that of the close-relation Renegade. In nearly every other key measurement, including stowage space, it’s a dead heat between the two.
That sameness also extends to engine choices. The starting point is a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder that can be found in a number of FCA models. It’s rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
Optional is a non-turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet.
So far, so good, but here’s the kicker. If you want the turbo engine you must order the price-leader 500X Pop and your sole transmission choice is a six-speed manual. The punchier 2.4 is optional on the Pop, but standard on the Sport, Trekking, Lounge and Trekking Plus models. Yes, those are the models. Really. That engine locks you into a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is just fine with most car shoppers, who rarely opt for manual gearboxes these days.
As well, the 2.4 is mandatory when equipping your 500X with all-wheel drive. The system has a free-wheeling (and fuel-saving) rear-axle-disconnect feature for those times when directing torque to all four wheels isn’t necessary. The AWD comes with a Dynamic Selector knob adjacent to the floor shifter that allows the driver to pick from Auto (default setting), Sport and Traction+, depending on road and driving conditions.
As yet, there are no official fuel-economy stats to report, but since the 500X’s base weight is about 100 kilograms less than the Renegade’s, the numbers should be slightly better than the Jeep’s rating of 9.8 l/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway with the turbo 1.4.
Although the Pop, which starts at $23,200 including destination charges, is the base trim, it comes with most key necessities, including air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, fold-flat passenger seat and four-speaker audio.
The Sport trim level adds two more speakers to the audio system, fancier interior trim, keyless start and 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16-inch steelies).
The Trekking and Trekking Plus are designed to emulate off-road-capable vehicles and come with their own front and side body trim, plus unique 17- and 18-inch wheel designs. Unfortunately, they don’t appear to offer any additional trail-tackling ground clearance.
Both the Trekking Plus and Lounge versions have standard climate control, ambient interior lighting and power-adjustable front seats.
From there, you can select a dual-pane power sunroof, 16-centimetre touch-screen with navigation and crash-avoiding forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning and cross-traffic alerts, the latter of which really does put eyes in the back of your head.
With the wide array of small-sized wagons and hatchbacks to choose from and without the polarizing looks of the Jeep Renegade, Fiat will need to push hard for the 500X to be noticed, even with style and substance on its side.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive sub-compact tall wagon
Engines (hp): 1.4-litre DOHC I4, turbocharged (160); 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (180)
Transmissions: Six-speed manual (1.4-litre engine); six-speed automatic (2.4).
Points: Modern styling stands in contrast to the Jeep Renegade’s over-the-top looks; There’s no logical reason why the base turbo four-cylinder engine cannot be had with an automatic transmission; Inexpensive all-wheel-drive system is a worthwhile option.
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.
Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy) 9.8/7.6 (1.4 turbo, est.);
Base price (incl. destination) $23,200