By Otsile Kadiege

Hot on the heels of the recently launched updated Fiat 500, the Italian automaker has announced the local availability of the refreshed Fiat 500X. Like the 500 city car, the crossover SUV gets updated exterior styling, improved standard specification and new trim levels, including a trim level reserved only for the 500X. 

500X trim levels

The updated Fiat 500X is available in the following trim levels: the base Cult, mid-spec Connect, the new Cross and the range-topping Sport. The Cult grade 500X sits on 16-inch alloy wheels with urban front and rear bumpers. It’s fitted with Halogen day-time running lights (DRLs), LED taillights, a set off glossy black mirrors and chrome door handles. 
Inside, the 500X Cult gets 3.5-inch black and white TFT Cluster, Blue Monogram cloth seats, Uconnect radio with 4 speakers, traffic sign recognition and Speed Advisor, an electric parking brake, lane keep assist and cruise control with speed limiter. 

The 500X Connect adds 16-inch alloy wheels, LED day-time running lights (DRLs), body-colour mirrors, fog lights and privacy glass. Inside, it gets Techno-leather multi-function steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat and a front arm rest. As standard, it’s fitted with 6 speakers play the Uconnect seven-inch touchscreen radio with CarPlay and Android Auto, a 3.5-inch TFT Colour Cluster, rain and dusk sensor control wipers and lights, and rear parking sensors. 

The 500X specific grade, Cross, gets 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates and roof rails, with satin chrome door handles, body colour mirror caps and fog lights. Camo seats complete the adventure, with automatic air conditioning, courtesy lights, and cold grey dashboard as an option. Inside, the 500X Cross gets a Uconnect seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The sporty-looking 500X Sport gets 19-inch rims available as standard. Full LED headlamps, fog lights, body colour wheel arch mouldings and side skirts, titanium finishing details, privacy glass, technoleather steering wheel, titanium dashboard and a chrome tailpipe are just some of the 500X Sports’ party tricks.

Powertrains

Powering the Fiat 500X is a 1.4-litre direct injection petrol engine making 103kW at 5 000rpm and 230Nm at 2 500 rpm, available in six-speed manual transmission for 500X Cult and Connect and DDCT automatic transmissions for 500X Sport and Cross

Safety features and pricing

The Fiat 500X comes with a vast array of standard safety and convenience features like 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill assist and daytime running lights (DRLs). The updated Fiat 500X is priced as follows:

Fiat 500X Cult – R394,900

Fiat 500X Connect – R449,900

Fiat 500X Cross – R519,900

Fiat 500X Sport – R519,900