Fiat streamlines 500X small SUV range
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 16th Feb 2018
Price of entry to the range has dropped by $1010, with the six-speed manual Pop priced from $24,990 plus on-roads.
Swapping the manual for a six-speed dual-clutch auto adds $2000 to the asking price, which has also been chopped by $1010 over the outgoing version.
Topping the range is the Pop Star, which is offered solely with the dual-clutch auto and checks in at $29,990 plus on-roads, representing a $2010 drop in price.
The previous range-topping variants, the all-wheel-drive Lounge and Cross Plus, have been deleted from the range.
Changes to the new line-up include a new 7.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen that replaces the old 5.0-inch unit, which features satellite navigation on the Pop Star as well as Bluetooth interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and voice command functionality.
Optionally available is a 560W, eight-channel Beats Audio premium sound system.
New advanced safety features have also been added to the 500X range, including cornering foglights, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
No alterations have been made to the sole powertrain offered in the 500X, a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 103kW/230Nm and sends drive solely to the front wheels.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.0 litres per 100km for the dual-clutch auto, down to 6.0L/100km for the three-pedal gearbox.
To commemorate the release of the updated model, Fiat is releasing a Launch Edition variant that is based on the specification of the Pop Star and adds a claimed $5500 of equipment for a $3000 premium.
Priced at $32,990, the Launch Edition will be available in just 100 units and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, black leather-appointed seats, power-adjustable front seats with eight-way adjustment and lumbar support, the aforementioned Beats Audio sound system and electric folding door mirrors.
The Launch Edition will be available in six colours – Gelato White, Argento Grey, Cinema Black, Fashion Grey, Venezia Blue and Passione Red.
In 2017, Fiat sold 760 examples of the 500X, a 26.9 per cent jump over the 599 units it managed in 2016.
These sales last year were enough to make the 500X Fiat’s third best-selling vehicle behind the Ducato van (1163) and 500/Abarth 595 (892).
| 2018 Fiat 500X pricing* | |
| 500X Pop | $24,990 |
| 500X Pop (a) | $26,990 |
| 500X Pop Star (a) | $29,990 |
| 500X Launch Edition (a) | $32,990 |
