► Month eight with the Fiat 500X
► Its appeal is yet to fade, surprisingly
► Climate controls are pleasingly finished
It’s built-in, but it actually works
In a world of TomToms and assorted mapping apps, the in-built car sat-nav seems an archaic option – but I’m rather fond of the Fiat’s system. It’s quick, easy to use, and yet to send me through a field. Which means I’ve jinxed it and by next month I’ll be stranded in a cabbage patch.
Gold strike in the parts bin!
I know, it’s just a few climate-control dials pinched out of an Alfa Giulietta, but more than any other element of the interior, this rotary trio help the 500X feel like a more premium product. And while they’re positioned well below your line of sight, the buttons are big enough to operate by touch alone. Hurrah for the Fiat-Chrysler parts bin.
Just how moody do they think we all are?
I once twisted the ‘Drive Mood Selector’ and the dashboard display changed, but since then it’s been an irrelevance. I’m morally opposed to the Sport setting in a faux SUV such as this, and the weather has never been bad enough to warrant the Traction Plus setting. Plus it’s two-wheel drive anyway…
Take two gloveboxes into the shower?
To be honest, I’d forgotten all about the double glovebox until CJ commissioned this month’s report. With storage bins in the doors, ahead of the gearstick, and beneath the central armrest, I don’t carry around enough superfluous junk to justify the existence of one glovebox, let alone the extravagance of two. Must buy more crap to ensure a thorough appraisal.
From the driving seat
– High-speed trip to Brittany has seen fuel consumption dip to 40mpg for the first time
+ Door rattle has disappeared
+ But the key fob is playing up
– Which means, on balance, I do need to visit a dealer
Logbook Fiat 500X 1.6 MultiJet Cross
Engine: 1598cc 16v turbodiesel 4-cyl, 118bhp @ 3750rpm, 236lb ft @ 1750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Stats: 10.5sec 0-62mph, 115mph, 109g/km
Price: £20,095
As tested: £24,320
Miles this month: 851
Total miles: 7417
Our mpg: 40.0
Official mpg: 68.9
Fuel this month: £59.81
Extra costs: £0
Read more from the May 2016 issue of CAR magazine