After some trouble with our Fiat panda Ta back in 2013, which we traded back in after 6 months and now with the latest 500x, it's tempting me to get into a Fiat again.

I'm having a dilemma between the 1.6 multjet lounge or the 1.4 turbo petrol. Although i would prefer the diesel, I've heard they clatter a lot.

Also would like to know from existing users about :
1. Driving position
2. clutch movement, is it light, progressive?
3. Suspension stiffness at the back
4. Quality of fit and finish.

Thank you all and happy 500x'g

Hi, I have the 1.6 and love the engine and car, I have driven both and would say I made the right choice for me based on the mileage I do which is 14k a year. Although the 1.6 is more costly I looked at the mpg and the 12k service as apposed to the 9k for the petrol. I find the engine really smooth and refined.

I have found the build quality very good and I feel very safe behind the wheel.

I much prefer the 1.6 diesel, because it has lots of torque and because its very economical.

1. Driving position

great! it has a mechanism to raise the seat (both front seats have it!) so you can set it to whatever height you prefer. Very nice seats.

2. clutch movement, is it light, progressive?

Not as light as a Merchedes manual gearbox. Its rather on the heavy side. But its progressive and its improved over past fiat gearboxes.

3. Suspension stiffness at the back

The suspension has average softness with a sporty feel. Younger people will love it, but I don't like it, I would prefer something soft and mushy.

4. Quality of fit and finish.

So far my Lounge model has been rather amazing, a lot better than I expected from fiat. Friends and family who ride in it can't believe its a fiat as well.

I am very happy with my 1.4 petrol . Very smooth quiet and really quick in sport mode. Never been a fan of smelly noisy diesel motors.....especially now with VW and other manufacturers etc and their issues?

twobigdogs said:

I am very happy with my 1.4 petrol . Very smooth quiet and really quick in sport mode. Never been a fan of smelly noisy diesel motors.....especially now with VW and other manufacturers etc and their issues?

Click to expand...

Today I went out to the car and sniffed all over it... you know what, it didn't smell funny

But it is rather noisy when starting with a cold engine. But its a small price to pay to have 42mpg

Only 42mpg?

well, for my bad driving style, I'd say I'm rather impressed... I expected something closer to 30mpg.

I'm tempted one day to reset the counter and drive like a pensioner, just to see how much better it can do.

twobigdogs said:

Only 42mpg?

Click to expand...

Sounds about right if I compare to my old Croma 2005 1.9.

My 500X MultiAir II 140 is turning in around 30mpg on the sort of normal localish runs I do. Around 28-30mpg on longer runs towing a 1000kg caravan. I've yet to really accurately log (fill to brim - drive - fill to brim after drive) a long drive. I'm expecting around 35 to 40 mpg on a long run.

I'm getting this on average now.....I would be a bit disappointed if I had a diesel and was only getting your figures?

I would have chosen the 1.6 diesel for it's economy but unfortunately Fiat don't offer it with the AWD, 9 speed auto gearbox combination so went for the 1.4 petrol. Currently getting an average of about 32mpg having driven in the region of 2,000 miles since the start of January on a mix of twisty roads 25%, dual carriageway 50% and city stop start 25%.

Have to say that the 170hp from the 1.4 makes for a very nippy drive especially in sport mode - which may also explain the 32mpg! :devil:

Just ordered the 1.4 Lounge today. Gone for the DAB upgrade but everything else seems to be a nice step up from the Punto. Does it come with satnav though? According to the website the lounge comes with the nav pack but I forgot to ask in the dealer.