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Fiat 500X review - Engines, performance and drive

The 500X’s sharp handling is a surprise for a small crossover

Engines, performance and drive rating

3.5

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The huge variation in the way the 500X used to drive has gone with the trimming of engine and gearbox options. 

Gone is the 1.6-litre non-turbo petrol, as well as both the 1.3 & 2.0-litre diesels. The nine-speed auto box and any 4WD option have been removed, too. All cars are now powered by peppy turbo petrol engines.

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The lower weight in the nose boosts the 500X's handling, and the Fiat feels agile for a high-riding crossover. On the right road, the handling is surprisingly sharp and there’s loads of grip, even if four-wheel drive is no longer offered. On the motorway the cabin is whisper quiet, too, making the car well suited to long trips.

• Best crossovers on the market 

We have concerns about the ride on bigger wheels, though, and if you go for a model fitted with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, you may well notice the car fidget and shake more over poor surfaces.

Engines

There are two petrol engines in the 500X line-up. The old 1.6 E-TorQ 110 was ditched in 2019, but that's no hardship as it felt strained and wasn't all that economical. It offered a fairly weedy 109bhp and was good for 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 112mph.

The new entry-level motor is the 1.0-litre turbocharged FireFly, which is available in all model grades. It makes 118bhp with 190Nm of torque, and gives the 500X a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds and a 117mph top speed. It's much peppier and punchier than the old E-TorQ unit, and suits the car down to a tee.

The four-cylinder 1.3 FireFly engine has 148bhp and comes with a twin-clutch DCT semi automatic gearbox as standard. It still drives the front wheels, and has a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds – while top speed is 124mph. The six-speed DCT gearbox is a lot better than the old nine-speed transmission.

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