The classic Fiat 500 is a prototypical tiny hatchback. It’a a rival to the original MINI – another popular, European take on four wheels, an engine and a quick, nimble frame that’s easy to slip in and out of traffic en route to tight parking spots. The modern 500 proved a popular reintroduction when Fiat brought it back to its 21st century line.
The 2016 Fiat 500X plays on that popularity — offering an urban crossover SUV that shares only its name and a few style cures from the little hatch that inspired it. During a recent rollout event in Beverly Hills, journalists had a chance to try out pre-production versions of the 500X along a mix of LA streets, ocean highways and hilly roads.
When it arrives in showrooms later this year, the 500X will come in five trim levels — the Pop, the Easy, the Trekking, the Lounge and the Trekking Plus. That succession starts around $20,000 and graduates at $27,100.
The entry level 500X offers a 1.4 liter, 160 horsepower, inline four cylinder engine. A six speed manual or optional nine speed automatic transmission are available, with front wheel drive, ABS and optional extras as you creep up the trim levels.
The exterior styling resembles its smaller ancestor in very basic ways. The badging is similar. The front grill matches the little 500, and the wheels sit at the four points of its rounded corners. But, the similarities between these big and little sisters generally ends with those styling cues.
Related: 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth Exists for Fun
Some might take a look at the 500X and think it’s just a Fiat 500 that had a helium nozzle shoved up its tailpipe — a sort of tiny Italian hatchback after a course of rigorous, Barry Bonds-ian steroids left it fatter and able to carry four people comfortably with almost enough room in the tailgate to store a 1960s Fiat.
However, the 500X is entirely separate from its minute predecessor in performance and feel. It’s much less a larger version of the hatchback and much more Fiat’s eager attempt to work its way into the very popular crossover market.
The small SUV and crossover classes dominated the international auto show circuit this year with many automakers introducing new or updated models of vehicles aimed at comfortable urban transport for multiple, cargo-laden passengers. With gas prices coming down and the global warming fuss slowly skulking off into a corner to invent more false statistics, SUVs (big and small) are selling well around the world. Fiat wants in on that market, and they simple stuck to the familiar lines of the 500 within its crossover aesthetic.
Very few of these onrushing crossover models from the various automakers are ever intended for off-road use. They are strictly for comfortable urban/suburban use. The 500X fits that bill well, turning away from the cramped quarters of the original 500 and including as many in-car tech toys as your trim dollar will allow.
The 500X does feel underpowered, but that’s a common complaint with crossovers as Fiat and its rivals look to maximize vehicle size while preserving higher mileage numbers. Fuel economy stats on the 500X aren’t available yet, but look for the vehicle to cruise the highways between 25 and 30 mph.
If there’s one area where the 500X could use more of its little sister’s pedigree, it’s in the handling. The Fiat 500 always feels spritely and nimble — accurate in the corners. While the 500X is certainly capable of tackling a winding road without rattling its driver, the vehicle feels a little more numb doing it — serving up a bit of understeer where this reviewer wanted some bite.
Still, starting at $20K and remaining south of $30K regardless of added bangs and whistles, the buyer would end up with a substantial vehicle at a very obtainable price range. The 500X should be a strong mid-range player in the ongoing crossover wars.
