Launching locally in 2015, Fiat has now introduced its latest version of the subcompact 500X SUV. We spent the day with the snazzy Italian model to determine if it has what it takes to battle the new ewer offerings on the market.
First things first: As with many Italian products under the Stellantis umbrella, it does not seem to age as harshly as some of its newer, fresher competitors. In South Africa, the 500X has been available in more or less the same form for close to eight years.
While its evolution in this time speaks volumes, what remains is a fashionable crossover that stands out visually in its segment. That being said, Fiat has decided to introduce a completely new derivative into the simplified three-model line-up. Serving as an entry-level offering is the Cross. A well-equipped Sport derivative caters to the middle-of-the-road segment. Want to have a topdown experience in an affordable subcompact SUV? Fiat has you covered with a range-topping Sport Extended Soft Top (EST) model unrivalled in the segment.
The open-air experience of the EST provides a single-colour fabric sunroof that extends almost the entire length. Rain fell throughout the day of launch, so its 15-second closing time on the panoramic addition was frequently and often frantically called upon.
Thankfully, this operation can be done on the fly when the 500X is doing less than 100 km/h.
Bu hikaye CAR South Africa dergisinin CAR May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye CAR South Africa dergisinin CAR May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT