Fiat 500X – Back to Basics

Fiat 500X 1.5T E-Hybrid Club, €32,190

Where last week the fattest Fiat 500X in Yacht Club Capri version was allowed to shine in the rear-view mirror, this weekend we take a look at the other side of the 500 X spectrum: the Club christened basic version. The top of the price lists – the Yacht Club Capri, that is – includes everything Fiat has to offer for the 500X, is only available as a convertible and costs less than a tenner after 40 grand. The Club is also available as a convertible and costs €35,190. For another €3,000 less we find the closed Club.

Incidentally, the Fiat 500X is not expected to be with us for very long. Fiat also supplies it with only one powertrain: the 1.5T E-Hybrid. He lets us put the term ‘hybrid’ in quotes in the intro of this story, because although there is a real hybrid badge on his ass, we are dealing here with mild-hybrid technique. The just under 1,500 cc measuring four-cylinder in the nose, linked to a double-clutch automatic transmission, gets modest electrical support and has a maximum power of 130 hp. The possible successor to the 500X will probably be fully electric, as Fiat – just like Jeep – has access to the (E-)CMP platform through the Stellantis merger.

Italian flair

Anyway, now the 500X Club is still available. You can recognize it by its black 16-inch wheels, because it is the only version that is not 17-inch or larger. The only free color is ‘Rosso Passione’, a dark red unilak. The color scheme of a 500X-no-surcharge is therefore quite exotic, especially if you compare it with the standard versions of other cars in this price segment. After all, they are often equipped with gray wheels and white paint. Other colors for the Fiat cost €490 for plain paint, €690 for metallic paint and €990 for one of the two in combination with a black roof.

If we look inside the cheapest 500X, our statement about the exotic color scheme is further reinforced. The ‘free’ upholstery is blue, just like the panel that runs over the entire dashboard! As a result, the base 500X takes a little more distance from other standard versions, because with its blue seat, door and dashboard decoration and some light gray accents, it is far from sober inside the car. Italian flair, shall we say.

Far from sober, and that without extra cost.

If we go from the standard decoration to the standard equipment, there is less cause for enthusiasm. The equipment isn’t bad per se, but it’s not much more than what is to be expected. A manually operated air conditioning is standard, as is a small (7-inch) infotainment screen by modern standards. That provides access to DAB radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. For navigation you have to look higher up. This does not apply to digital instruments: Fiat does not offer them in the 500X at all.

Front fog lamps, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and heated mirrors are also standard equipment – although it almost ends there. For things such as USB ports in the back, a center armrest, LED lighting and an adjustable loading floor, you have to dive into the otherwise relatively affordable option packages. The same applies to most driver assistance and active safety systems. A lane departure warning system is standard.

Equipment more expensive versions not much richer

If you think it’s a bit scanty, you can look higher between the versions. For €33,490, €1,300 more, we find the Cross. It looks just a bit ‘rougher’ from the outside and has 17-inch wheels, but is hardly more richly equipped. Moreover, that version has a much more subdued interior. We only find significant differences from the Sport (from €35,190). It actually looks different with its 18-inch wheels, different bumpers, painted sill and fender edges and LED lighting. We are very pleased with the light output of the latter; recommended. The rest of the equipment of a standard Sport is not much richer than that of the cheaper versions.

However, there are many more option packages available on the Sport than on the Club or Cross. That’s how things like keyless go and electrically folding mirrors are not even possible with the entry-level passenger. If you do opt for that version, then you will receive a car from Fiat in which it is absolutely necessary to be present. After all, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air conditioning and cruise control are just there. In addition, the 500X is especially nice on the inside as standard. If you wish to choose more, it actually only starts with €3,000 more for a Sport. Although extra colors and active safety systems are also among the many things that require a surcharge on this version, the price quickly creeps towards that of the Yacht Club Capri. We can almost conclude: do you want a 500X, then go for the slip-on or immediately for the thickest.

The very good LED headlights – which are missing on this Club – are one of the few assets of the €3,000 more expensive Sport version.