Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback

Review Of The Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback

The new Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback is a retro-looking, easy to drive and affordable high-riding crossover that’s aimed at buyers who like the aesthetics of the standard 500, but need a wee bit more ruggedness.

It’s a charming proposition; here’s a car that’s fun, cute, not too big and usable. For buyers who need to get even more out of it, there’s a Cross Plus variant that comes with four-wheel-drive.

OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2018 Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback review.JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGNndnaEo5V3dkSkElMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF

On The Road

The Fiat shares some of its mechanical bits with the Jeep Renegade, which means that it’s capable both on the road and off it.

But while all of its engines handle well, how good your driving experience is hinges on which one you go for. The entry-level petrol is far too underwhelming and develops just 109bhp, while a turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir 140bhp petrol engine is ideal for low mileage drivers.[vc_single_image image=”77991″ img_size=”article-image”]However, this is something of a workhorse car and the diesels are better suited. There are two to choose from, starting off with a 1.6-litre MultiJet unit. It produces 120hp, comes paired up with a 6-speed manual gearbox and it can complete the 0-62 sprint in 10.5 seconds. It’s two-wheel-drive only and can’t be specified if you stick to the entry-level Pop model.

A bigger 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel is your alternative choice. It develops 140bhp, 350Nm of torque and has a 0-62 time of 9.8 seconds. If you want, you can specify it with a manual gearbox; otherwise, a 9-speed automatic gearbox is standard, while four-wheel drive is also standard.

It’s a strong performer, but it’s only available with the Cross Plus model and it’s costly to run. It’s a difficult engine to recommend; despite all its power, it’s not the most refined and it doesn’t handle as well as you’d hope.

Overall, the Fiat 500X is a decent handler – for a high-riding crossover, at least. Body lean is well resisted in bends and the steering is nice and sharp.

Interested in the Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback? Let’s explore how Fiat became one of the most popular manufacturers in the world with thier history

Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback Interior, Design & Build

[vc_single_image image=”77990″ img_size=”article-image”]Inside, the Fiat 500X is roomy and comfortable and no one gets thrown around if you take a bend too enthusiastically. Visibility is great and the car is super easy to drive in the towns and cities.

Its dashboard is dominated by a colourful insert that stretches the whole way across. The higher spec models come with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, but the entry-level model has to make do with an old 5.5” screen. Either screen is easy to use, and we think buyers will appreciate the car’s funky aesthetics.There are plenty of textured, soft materials used here and there, and the cabin feels nice and solid.

Is the Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback practical? It’s not hugely spacious but it can offer more room than a typical supermini. Those upfront will be perfectly happy with the amount of space on offer, while the averaged height person will be fine in the rear. Head and legroom are both decent.

Storage spaces include a pair of glove boxes, while the boot measures 350-litres. Fold the rear seats and you can extend that to 1,000-litres.

Equipment & Safety Of The Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback

Standard kit is decent provided you overlook the entry-level Pop model. It’s just too basic and doesn’t come with a diesel engine. The Pop Star is better equipped and gets the likes of Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a seven-inch infotainment screen, climate control, front fog lights and body coloured door mirrors.

The Cross Plus edition is the one to go for if you want more ruggedness. It comes with four-wheel-drive and Traction+, a system that offers more grip on poor surfaces. It’s expensive, though, while its other standard kit includes tinted rear windows, keyless entry, lane assist, and a faux leather trim.

The Pop model doesn’t even come with any optional extras, but you can add the £250 Comfort Pack to your Pop Star or Cross Plus model, and this comes with driver’s seat lumbar support, floor mats and an adjustable boot floor. A £500 Lights Pack is worth looking at too, as it nets you brighter bi-xenon headlights.

In terms of how safe the car is, the Fiat 500X has a 4/5 Euro NCAP crash test safety rating. it scored well for both child and adult occupant protection but fared badly for safety assistance. Its standard safety kit includes a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assistance, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

Costs Of The Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback

Prices for the new car start out from £15,550 and rise to £25,250. For more information on our leasing deals, you can check out our page here.

In terms of its running costs, the 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel unit is the cheapest engine to run. It develops 120bhp and can return as much as 68.9mpg. Emissions aren’t too high either and it has a BiK rating of just 23%.

The bigger 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel, meanwhile, can return 51mpg at best. That’s not massively impressive, and it doesn’t help that it comes with fuel-sapping four-wheel-drive as standard. It also sits in a high insurance group – group 16.

Can you see yourself whizzing around in a Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback? Let’s take a look how reliable they are on the 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

Pros and Cons Of The Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback

Pros:

Retro Design

The 500X is just as retro as the standard 500 model and looks great in the city.

Good Handling

For a high-riding crossover, the 500X diesel handles securely.

Well Equipped

As long as you ignore the entry-level Pop model, standard kit is good across the range.

Cons:

Cheap Materials Here and There

The harder plastics let the cabin down a tad.

Firm Ride

It’s not too bad on the smaller wheels, but with the bigger wheels of the Cross model, the 500X becomes very firm indeed.

Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback vs Nissan Juke vs Renault Captur

Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2018 Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback review.

Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback vs Nissan Juke

The new Nissan Juke is stylish, well-built and has a certain freshness about it that’s remained despite the fact that it’s been around for quite some time already.

While the Juke certainly looks like it would be a bundle of fun on the road, the truth is that it’s fun-ish at best. Its responsive, accurate steering is a plus, as are a strong set of engines. Handling isn’t too bad either, but light steering stops you from getting too involved. The engines are also a tad too noisy for our liking.[vc_single_image image=”77775″ img_size=”article-image”]In terms of the diesel engines, there’s only one to choose from. It’s a turbocharged 1.5-litre dCi engine that can get you from a standstill to 62mph in 11.1 seconds. It’s got a good burst of pace, but it’s very noisy at speed.

Indeed, the only way to drown it out is to talk VERY loudly or turn the radio up.

Running costs? One of the diesels strengths is that it’s cheap to run, and can return as much as 70.6mpg on a good day.

Inside, the Juke looks just as funky as it ever has done. In terms of design and aesthetics, it can compete with the 500’s retro styling.

On the other hand, the Juke is saddled with low rent plastics and this does let it down. That’s a shame because, design-wise, the Juke looks very good and stands out from the crowd. The centre console can be coloured however you want it, but it’s things like an old CD player and a hard, thin plastic that makes up the dashboard that might put buyers off.

Is the Nissan Juke practical? Its steering wheel doesn’t adjust forwards and backwards, but its boot is bigger than its predecessor; if you stick to the two-wheel-drive model, it measures 354-litres. Go for the four-wheel-drive model and you’ll get a smaller boot.

Overall, though, interior space isn’t fantastic. A sloping roofline limits rear headroom and only children will feel comfortable back there on longer trips.

Price:

Fiat – £15,550 – £25,250
Nissan – £15,080 – £23,525

Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback vs Renault Captur

The new Renault Captur was recently updated so that it’s now sharper to look at, and also safer.

It’s not the most entertaining car you’ll ever drive, but it is highly capable and accomplished and that’s what largely matters to buyers in this sector.

It’s easy to drive too, with its light steering ensuring that it feels a lot like its smaller sibling, the Renault Clio. It feels more at home in the towns and cities, however – out in the country its lack of feel makes it hard for you to approach bends at a pace without losing your nerve.[vc_single_image image=”60866″ img_size=”article-image”]In terms of its engines, there’s just one diesel to choose from. This is a 1.5-litre dCi unit that’s available in two power guises. The 89bhp will feel a bit sluggish for most buyers and has a 0-62 time of 13.1 seconds.

A bigger 110bhp variant covers the same sprint in 11.3 seconds and would seem to suit the car on a full load better.

However, both engines are a bit uncomfortable compared to the petrols. They’re noisy and vibrate much more than anyone would like. That said, high mileage drivers should still consider them as they do help to keep costs down. The 89bhp is incredibly affordable to run and can return as much as 78.5mpg on a good day.

The bigger 110bhp variant, meanwhile, returns a similar number and both of them emit less than 100g/km of CO2 and enjoy a BiK rating of 21%.

Inside, Renault has worked hard to improve the car’s cabin. They’ve brought in some soft-touch materials, and combined with a height adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, the Captur is a pleasant car to drive.

There’s scope for customisation too, while the addition of lighter shades has helped to brighten up the gloom.

Is the Renault Captur practical? It’s based on the Clio but has a bit more interior space than its sibling, including more rear legroom. The rear seats slide forwards and backwards, and the car is easy to park, thanks to a vertical tail and short bonnet.

There’s also plenty of handy storage solutions here and there, including an 11-litre glovebox, while the boot measures a very respectable 380-litres. Fold the rear seats and you can increase it to 455-litres.

Price:

Renault – £15,615 – £24,025

Verdict Of Our 2018 Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback Review

It’s not often that you get a small crossover that’s as stylish as this one – so should you really pass on it when it comes along?

A car like this shouldn’t live or die by how stylish it is, and the 500X has its fair share of pros and cons. It can offer a wide range of engines, it handles well on the road, and four-wheel-drive is available. Refinement is excellent too, and if you’re a fashion-conscious buyer, the new Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback is the one to go for.

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Fancy the Fiat 500X Diesel Hatchback? Request a call back from one of our Vehicle Experts

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