Fiat 500X

The interior of the 2024 Fiat 500X is practical. The seats and upholstery are done in faux-leather. A lot of hard and cheap plastics have been used throughout the cabin, with some sharp edges around the seat adjustment. The buttons on the dashboard are conveniently placed and easy to read. The 500X gets physical air-conditioning controls that are easy to operate than the fiddly digital touchscreen buttons that most of its rivals have. The multifunction steering wheel is rake and reach adjustable, and the pedals are neatly placed in line with the driver's seat. But the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, connected to a Beats audio system, is the biggest disappointment. The icons are tiny and difficult to operate. Rivals have bigger and easier-to-read units. The cabin has a number of convenient storage spaces. The 350-litre boot space is smaller compared to rivals.

Like most of the Italian cars under the Stellantis umbrella, the 2024 Fiat 500X largely retains its first-generation looks. The car has been in the market in almost the same form for more than eight years. It has undergone significant evolution but still remains a stylised and fashionable crossover-SUV that stands out from the monotony in the segment. The highlight, of course, is the canvas roof that opens the full length of the car and lends a convertible-like experience. The fabric roof opens in about 15 seconds when the car is stationary or moving at less than 100kmph. Most rivals of the 2024 Fiat 500X offer a panoramic sunroof. The Fiat 500X  runs on 17-inch wheels. The top-level CrossPlus trim adds performance cues like body-matched rockers and cladding, exposed exhaust tips, larger 18-inch sport wheels with all-season performance tires, and smoked trim pieces.

The cabin space of the 2024 Fiat 500X is at par with most cars in its segment. Up front, taller adults will fit just fine. Both front seats come with a wide range of adjustments, and it's easy to get into a perfect driving position. The adjustable lumbar support on the front seats leads to a relaxed ride. The rear seats are comfortable, but accommodating three adults will be a bit tight. Legroom and headroom are decent, though. The tall roof means heads won't brush against the ceiling. The rear seat doesn't get any adjustment, but the back support is nice, though not the best in class. The suspension smooths over big bumps and remains settled over patched-up surfaces. At high speed, the ride becomes a bit fidgety.

The 2024 Fiat 500X is equipped with a turbocharged, four-cylinder, 1.4-litre petrol engine that produces 140 PS/230 Nm. The motor is mated to a six-speed automatic. The powertrain is punchy, and the well-balanced and accurate steering helps the car nudge through tight spaces in city traffic. Highway ride is planted, courtesy of the weighted steering. 

The 2024 Fiat 500X gets a reverse parking camera and optional sat-navigation. Automatic emergency braking doesn’t come as standard. The safety equipment includes six airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and a speed-limit adviser along with the usual stability and traction controls. Most rivals of the 2024 Fiat 500X are better equipped in terms of safety.

At a starting price of AED 79,000, the 2024 Fiat 500X is a nice retro-looking car. But it badly needs an overhaul to stand competition with its more established competitors. It looks cool but the cabin is largely disappointing and misses out on comfort features. It's still a worthy car for buyers wanting a practical daily commuter.