Sector: Crossover Price: £14,595–£25,845 Fuel: 56.5–74.3mpg CO2: 109–144g/km

You could be forgiven for thinking the new 500X is Fiat merely cashing in on the 500 family successes. After all, it took an oddball MPV, stuck a 500L badge on the tailgate and told the world this is how legendary Italian designer Dante Giacosa would have done it, if he were alive today. And all those good folk who were smitten by the cutesy 500 but wanted something a little more practical actually believed them, and consequently made the 500L Europe’s best-selling car in its class. 

The 500X, however, really does appear as if it could be a modern interpretation of Giacosa’s classic design, mirrored within the 500X’s pumped-up metalwork. The flared arches, strong shoulder-line, protective cladding and 179mm of ground clearance all do just enough to give it the appearance of a soft-roader.

Although the cabin borrows elements from the 500, it manages to have a unique presence, and one of quality, too. There’s a 6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Uconnect smartphone connectivity. It’s superior to anything Fiat has produced for a long, long time.

Whilst its footprint may be larger than many of its rivals, which is good for comfort, the cargo area is actually one of the smallest in its class. It’s just 350 litres, expandable to 1,000 litres with the rear seats folded. Fiat says a small boot won’t have an adverse effect on sales as 60% of  buyers in this segment are influenced by styling first and foremost.

For the remaining 40%, and those who are curious about the mechanical bits and the way it drives, there are two petrol and two diesel engines, and a choice of six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. There are also six trim levels, with the option to choose between front wheel-drive and the all-wheel drive system. Fiat is adamant that this car will have a mass market appeal, regardless of gender, age or lifestyle. 

The entry-level 1.6-litre E-torQ POP starts at £14,595, but since this wasn’t available at the launch it’s going to have to wait until nearer the 500X’s April on-sale date to get a our verdict. The other three engines, however, were available.  At £17,595, the 1.4-litre MultiAir 140bhp petrol has a £1,500 price advantage over 1.6-litre turbodiesel (which costs £19,095), but that’s about it.  Once driven, the difference between the two makes the additional investment seem a small price to pay. Not only does the diesel provide plenty of low and mid-range torque, it also delivers the best ride. The extra weight of the engine seems to negate the slight bodyroll found with the petrol. There are greater efficiencies to be gained too, 74.3mpg and 108g/km of CO2 emissions, compared to 56.5 mpg and 139g/km for the MultiAir. 

The 2.0-itre MultiJet is the sole fodder for the flagship all-wheel drive Cross and Cross Plus. This is the only model where the automatic ‘box is standard (though after driving it, the question remains; Why the need for nine cogs when it only ever seemed to use the first seven?). Underbody protection, chunkier bumpers, 18-inch alloys, a leather gear shifter and HID headlamps are included too, but it will send the price skywards of £24k, and even higher as the Cross Plus. 

Verdict:

Fiat’s timing on bringing this car to market couldn’t have been better; it’s bang on target to hit the booming compact crossover segment right between the eyes.