Still looks a touch awkward, despite best efforts.
Italian carmaker Fiat has revealed an updated version of its 500X crossover, which brings with it new engines & driver-assistance technologies in addition to the usual range of aesthetic updates. The 500X is one of the older crossovers in the compact space, and we’re not sure if the latest raft of updates do enough to keep it feeling fresh.
Aesthetic changes are headlined by new LED daytime running lights up front, which create a very unique signature that we’re sure other marques won’t be rushing to best. LEDs have also been used to create a unique signature out back, where the taillights now also feature a body-coloured segment in their centre, like the 124 Spider and 500 hatch.
The bumpers on either end, on both front-driven and all-wheel drive models, have been revised to include silver elements that are doing their best to look like bash plates. If your eyesight isn’t perfect, they might just fool you.
But the big change has taken place where you can’t see it, or at least not immediately. Under the bonnet, there are two new turbo-petrol engines, namely a 1.0-litre three-pot and a 1.3-litre four-banger. The smaller of the two new Firefly engines makes 89kW and 190Nm, and will be mated to a six-speed manual sending power to the front wheels. Opt for the four-pot and you get 112kW and 270Nm, with a six-speed dual-clutch auto provisioning power to all four wheels.
Don’t like turbos? There’s also an 82kW 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated E-Torq engine, which we can only imagine feels relatively wheezy compared to the two forced-induction mills. The range of diesels offered in Europe, in 1.3-litre, 1.6-litre, and 2.0-litre guises with power ranging between 71kW and 112kW, continue unchanged.
Changes inside the 500X include a new steering wheel & instrument cluster, while the larger 7.0-inch touchscreen now includes Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. And in Europe, the 500X will be available with traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and speed-limit warning too. Additionally, there will also be available a range of advanced driver assistance systems like AEB, adaptive high beam, intelligent cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Fiat Australia hasn’t explicitly said that the updated 500X will be making its way here, or indeed with which upgrades. However, with the 500X still on sale here, we reckon the 2019MY 500X will make it here, though perhaps not as smartly-packed as its European offerings.
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