ITALIAN car maker Fiat has added extra cool to the new 2018 500X range, creating two well-equipped trim levels – Pop and Pop Star – and launching a special edition model to celebrate the new range, with prices starting from $24,990 plus on-roads.
The 500X comes loaded with powerful and efficient turbocharged petrol engines and the choice of two transmissions, a six speed manual and a six speed automatic. The new model variants have been loaded up with advanced safety and technology features too.
Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the new Fiat 500X represents a new era of design for the unmistakable 500 – where its iconic style and the modern concept of the crossover combine.
Spacious and flexible, the interior cabin of the new 2018 500X includes extensive use of high-grade materials, top-quality finishes and practical storage compartments; including a spacious 350-litre luggage compartment (before you fold down any seats).
For the driver, the instrument cluster is divided into three, circular, individually cowled displays, with the large, central display featuring a reconfigurable 3.5-inch TFT display, flanked by the speedometer and rev-counter displays.
The dashboard panel retains the retro look of the 500, while bespoke switch gear and an all-new 7.0-inch touchscreen Uconnect system sets the new 2018 500X apart from earlier versions.
To complete the premium Italian ambience of the new 500X, the interior benefits from the extensive use of sound-absorbent materials, including soft-touch dashboard materials and acoustic deflectors on the pillars created entirely from absorbent foams.
Under the hood, both model variants feature a MultiAir2 1.4-litre turbo four cylinder that pushes out 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, with a fuel economy number around 7-litres/100km.
The engine system maximises combustion control, fuel efficiency while minimising exhaust emissions. MultiAir is based on direct control of the intake air supply. This is done, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke.
This proven technology is designed to simply and effectively vary the amount of time the intake valves are open and the amount of air/fuel charge that is let into the cylinder, particularly at low speeds or partial load driving conditions, such as freeway driving.
The range topping Pop Star 500X gains increased levels of active safety and driver assistance technology including cornering fog lamps, a full-speed forward collision warning system that pre-loads the brakes, and automatic emergency braking.
Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and a lane departure warning system that increases steering resistance to the change in direction are all here too, as is adaptive cruise control.
The entire range also gets an enhanced infotainment package including an improved Bluetooth interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command functionality, while the Pop Star model also gets SatNav.
The sound system too has been upgraded, with a 560W premium hi-fi system available as an optional extra, developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr Dre, and boasting an eight-channel digital amplifier.
The 2018 Fiat 500X Special Launch Edition is an additional limited edition model based on the Pop Star variant, and features 17-inch Special Edition alloy wheels, black leather-appointed seating and the Beats by Dr Dre sound system.
It also includes powered driver and front passenger seats, and electric folding exterior mirrors and comes in six colours; Gelato White, Argento Grey, Cinema Black, Fashion Grey, Venezia Blue and Passione Red. Just 100 Special Launch Editions will be available.
The 2018 Fiat 500X Pop (manual) is available for $24,990 while you can pick up the auto version for $26,990. The Pop Star is priced at $29,990, while the Special Launch Edition is $32,990. All prices are plus on-roads.
