The Fiat 500X is the latest model from the Italian company’s line-up to add an S-Design special edition to its line-up. Building on what was achieved with the City Cross, the Fiat 500X S-Design is not only packed with the latest technology and connectivity for added driver satisfaction but it also competes head-on with a distinctive style stance.
In S-Design trim, this Fiat allies the cheery disposition of its little brother with a host of unique features that have been selected to enhance its exterior style. As standard it comes with black roof bars, Myron black inserts on the boot lid, door handles and front moulding, dark tinted rear windows, 17-inch Myron black alloy wheels and a bronze-coloured X-logo on the side moulding. It comes in a choice of five colours including matt Marching Green…which is very ‘Armed Forces’ in its appeal!
The upping-its-game style aspects continue inside with an S-Design ambiance created by the car’s textured matt black dashboard, which is embellished with a copper-colour ‘500’ badge and dedicated upholstery with techno-leather inserts. In terms of visual appeal, it works a treat. The normal 500X interior, which was photographed in the shadow of Bristol’s famous Brunel Bridge, is already a paragon of form and functionality.
As we have come to expect of upgraded Fiats, the comprehensive standard package includes LED headlights and the latest daytime running lights signature, rear parking sensors, Techno leather-wrapped steering wheel, complete with audio controls, an instrument panel with 3.5-inch colour TFT and double USB ports, automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electric parking brake and 60/40 split-folding rear seat. In addition, 500X S-Design also offers the latest in-car connectivity with the 7-inch Uconnect system, which is both Apple CarPlay-ready and Android Auto-compatible, as standard.
The Fiat 500X offers customers a compelling driving experience, supported by the inclusion of what has become a customary raft of safety assistance systems as standard, such as the lane assist, with intelligent speed assist and traffic sign recognition. However, it is also eminently practical, with bags of room in the boot, before folding forward the rear seat backs to reveal an enormous load space. Plenty of room for golf clubs, as well as the weekly shop.
Inevitably, the Fiat 500X is available with a choice of two petrol engines (in S-Design trim), paired with both automated-manual and fully manual gearboxes. Customers can choose from either of the new FireFly Turbo engines that are available in a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre, 120bhp configuration with six-speed manual transmission, or in a four cylinder, 1.3-litre, 150bhp guise, paired with the six-speed automatic DCT (dual clutch transmission). In either form, performance is spirited and fuel economy returns are excellent. What’s more, I can fit!
