Road test: Fiat 500X

Fiat’s unlovely 500L is a hit in Italy but has not sold that well here. Soon, though, a more attractive option is coming, although better looks are at the expense of some practicality.

The new car, badged 500X, is a compact crossover — halfway between a car and an SUV — because Fiat wants some of the action in the rapidly growing crossover market.

Built on the same platform as the 500L, it comes with either two or four-wheel-drive to suit urban or rural use, and although it is still quite tall, there is less room in the cabin and the boot than in the ugly duckling 500L, which continues in production. It is, however, much better looking, with styling aimed to remind you of its roots in the iconic Fiat 500 from 1957 and reworked for the modern world in 2007. When it arrives in April there will be a 140hp 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine with six-speed manual gearbox, a 120hp 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel, both with two-wheel-drive, and a 140hp two-litre MultiJet diesel 4x4 with a nine-speed automatic box.

On the road the 500X is pleasant to drive. It grips well and rolls very little on corners and is well equipped, with lane departure assist, blind-spot assist and adaptive cruise control. Fiat’s Beats Audio system is also an option.

There are two versions of the car — the more urban one comes in Pop, Popstar and Lounge trim, while the second, more Great Outdoorsy one comes in Cross and Cross Plus trim. This has a modified nose and rear, allowing it to tackle steeper gradients without mangling its bodywork.

With prices from £14,595 to £25,845, this is a likeable little car. It might not do anything exceptionally well, but neither does it do anything badly, and it should appeal to plenty of people who need more room than in the chic 500 but were put off by the looks of the 500L.

Fiat 500X
1.6 MultiJet diesel Lounge
Top speed: 116mph;
MPG: 68.9;
CO2: 109g/km;
Price: £20,845