Fiat 500X: specifications

In early 2012, Italian designers for the first time presented a conceptual version of the Fiat 500X model to the general public. Technical characteristics and appearance of this small crossover already interested many potential buyers. Along with this, the appearance of the serial version had to wait more than two years. His official debut took place last October in the framework of the international automobile exhibition in Paris.

general description

The implementation of the novelty in Europe should begin in the very near future. As for deliveries to the domestic market, the company has not yet been given a specific date for their start. Moreover, they are not yet sure for sure whether the model will be sold in Russia at all.

Whatever it was, buyers (so far only European) will be available options for cars with a full or plug-in front-wheel drive. Another interesting feature of the model is that the designers created two stylistic versions of Fiat 500X. Their characteristics are practically the same. Together with this, the first version of the car is designed for operation in urban conditions. It is equipped with standard bumpers and a small plastic body kit. As for the second modification, it is more suitable for lovers of suburban relaxation, so designers have equipped it with other bumpers and more powerful plastic protection.

Exterior

In general, the exterior of the car is very attractive and typically Italian. This becomes clear even at the first glance at the new Fiat 500X. The photos of the car are superfluous proof of the fact that in its appearance there are features of the five-hundredth model, loved all over the world, as well as the motives that are typical for the small minivan "500L". In the front part of the novelty headlamps of unusual shape are distinguished, as well as original air intake openings. Behind the eye rushes a rather large bumper, just huge lanterns and a stylish spoiler. Mounted on the legs-support side mirrors give the appearance of auto dynamics. In the profile of the body should be noted large doorways and wheel arches, as well as a relatively short hood. According to many experts, in terms of style, the novelty should make a serious competition to recognized leaders in this direction - cars that belong to the MINI brand.

Dimensions

Dimensions of the model in length, width and height are 4250x1800x1600 mm. In this case, it should be noted that the nuance that the version with a full drive, respectively, the car is 20 and 2 millimeters longer and higher. In addition, depending on the drive and the size of the wheels installed on the Fiat 500X, the vehicle's clearance is between 185 and 200 millimeters.

Interior

Separate delightful words deserve how skillfully Italian designers could create in such a modest, at first glance, space, so spacious and comfortable salon. Inside, there can be five adult middle-class men. It can not be said that they will feel very free. On the other hand, they will not be close to them either. Front seats are easy to fit and good lateral support. The front panel is very practical, stylish and at the same time reserved. It is very convenient to read all the indications of the driver's control systems. In general, when decorating the interior designers preferred a rather restrained solutions. High quality materials are used in upholstery. In addition, the developers thought out the smallest elements in the interior of Fiat 500X to the smallest detail. With regard to the volume of the luggage compartment, it is 350 liters.

Equipment

Already in the standard version, the novelty is equipped with an on-board computer with a 6.5-inch touch screen, an air-conditioner, a modern multimedia and stabilization system, heated side mirrors and electric glass windows on all doors. For an additional fee on the car you can install a system to prevent unauthorized crossing of the dividing line on the track, a program for tracking the presence in blind obstacle areas , climate control. In addition, a potential buyer can order the leather upholstery of the entire cabin.

Main technical characteristics

The technical characteristics are quite good in the new Fiat 500X. The basic power unit for the model was the 1.4-liter engine, capable of developing a capacity of 170 horsepower. It is used exclusively for vehicles with front-wheel drive. Besides it, the car is available with two variants of diesel engines. The first of them has a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 120 "horses". The second engine is a 140-hp unit with a capacity of 2.0 liters. As for the transmission, it is available as an automatic and a mechanical box. Both of them consist of six gears. In addition to them for the version with a four-wheel drive, it is possible to install a "machine" at nine speeds.

Control

According to many experts and the first owners of Fiat 500X, the car leaves a rather ambiguous sense of control. Suspension of the novelty is very stiff, so it works without problems with small and even medium roughness of the road surface, without affecting the comfort of passengers. The level of isolation from noise and vibration, although it can not be compared with that of the models of the highest class, but at the same time, even when driving at high speeds, the engine is not audibly heard. The main claims are related to steering. The fact is that as soon as the speed reaches a mark of 120 km / h, "catching" the car on the track becomes more difficult.

Main advantages and disadvantages

One of the main advantages that the Fiat 500X crossover boasts is its extraordinary appearance. It should be noted that the manufacturer offers twelve color options and eight different wheel rims for the car to choose from. The advantages are also the high quality of assembly and finishing materials. At a high level is the dynamics of the novelty (especially in the case of modifications with the most powerful engines).

Disadvantages of the Fiat 500X "there are only a few. The main one is not the best steering. It remains only to hope that it was characteristic only for the tested pre-season version of the car and that the manufacturer would eliminate it when launching the novelty on the conveyor. Otherwise, no doubt, the model will lose a significant proportion of potential buyers. This is not surprising, because the owners of more expensive competitor cars (models from the MINI) only praise the excellent handling from BMW. Another significant disadvantage of the novelty can be called its price. However, now it is typical for any imported car because of the purchase in foreign currency.

Conclusion

The cost of the Fiat 500X model in the European market in the most modest configuration (with front-wheel drive and manual transmission) will start from the mark of 17.5 thousand euros. Even if the manufacturing company decides to launch this car in Russia, it is unlikely that it will be in great demand and popularity. If we talk about the top version of the novelty, equipped with a two-liter diesel engine and automatic transmission, then it will have to lay out just over 30 thousand euros. And this is even without taking into account the possible installation of additional equipment and systems, which were discussed earlier.