General 500X 2018 Revamp

[Nello]

What not comments yet! https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fiat/500/104448/fiat-500x-refreshed-with-new-engines-and-tech

I like the Back to the Future Ad to go with it!

 

[Nello]

This probably shows all the improvements/amendments better - Surprised by the 1.0 3-cylinder and no more Diesel's?!!!

 

[JTD_Liam]

I like what they've done to it in terms of styling - the front now matches the regular 500 & 500L more closely and the back lights being the same design as the regular 500 is a good thing I think - shame this doesn't extend to the 500L because even the 124 Spider have that rear light design.

Fitting the new 7" UConnect across the range seems wise too - on the previous model it was too confusing having 3 different systems (6.5", 5" or no screen at all) depending on trim level and then offering nav on some 5" screens & not others, depending on year.

Glad to see a few more colours - the new bright blue is just what the 500X needs - Fiat often start out with fun colour choices & then dull them down (which they'd done on the 500X) so its good to see them reversing this with the blue, plus a dark green making a comeback (I saw a few in the Toscana Green colour so couldn't understand them dropping it).

The engines could prove problematic though. I like the sound of the new 3 & 4cyl engines, but the most common choice in the 500x's i've seen were the 1.4 MultiAir 140bhp and 1.6 Multijet 120 diesel. The diesels have gone and the new 150bhp petrol engine is auto (DCT) only. If you want a manual you have to get the 1.0 3cyl with 120bhp, which has been criticised for not being powerful enough in the Jeep Renegade. I'm also curious how sales will go now that there's 2 'off-road' versions and only one 'urban' (previously 'City') version - I see a lot less off-road look versions - most models I see are the mid spec PopStar versions - so deciding to major on the previously less popular-selling version seems odd.

Overall some good updates to the styling, tech/equipment, colours and engines, but they should've kept the 1.6 diesel for now and they might need to add a manual gearbox to the new 1.4 150bhp engine pretty pronto if the public agree with the Renegade reviewer about the lack of pace in the 1.0 engine. The Urban trim level needs more than just the old 1.6 e-Torq engine too.

 

[Geolith]

Looking nice! I don't like the new fog lights, though. The current ones fit better into the front bumper design (especially the off-road version) and look way cooler. I understand it was a nod to the original 500, but I find it misfitting for the more daring looks of the 500X.

 

[simon_16vpunto]

Im away to the launch with work on Wednesday- will get a shot of the new engines, can’t wait

 

[twobigdogs]

Not keen on the new engines to be honest. Three cyl in a car like the 500x will be awful. I love my 1.4 petrol with the sport mode, thirsty but powerful. I wouldn’t buy another 500x with that new engine. I think Fiat have dropped the ball on this one?

 

[Garree001]

I suspect that the 150hp engine only being offered with the automatic engine is an attempt to entice people to spend more money. Fiat probably know many won't want the 1.0 3 pot, so they'll be inclined to drop a few more pennies on the more expensive option. And I don't think it's a deal breaker as the 500x isn't really a car people have on a shortlist. That's for the likes of the better selling Juke, Mokka and Captur. The lesser known 500x, in my opinion, attracts those who want one specifically or who are obsessed with the 500 and want more 500ness.

 

[s130]

Hmmm

The 1.3 150BHP only being with the auto box is a big issue for me as a "tower".

Interestingly I thought Fiat had dumped the MultiAir technology giving me kittens for my 500X Cross Plus MultiAir II. Fears being the technology is unreliable.

However I found this article/link that explains more.

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2018/cars/other/jeep/06/jeep_renegade_my2019/new_t3_t4_engine/fca_new_turbo_engines_t3_t4.html

Why is it that often this informative stuff comes from the South America regions? Is it because for Fiat us Europeans are just dump drivers and the other region drivers have more interest and also need more technical marketing information before they will bite.

 

[Nello]

As I understand it the early MA engines could be problematic - I had to replace my MA actuator on my Delta 3 but the issues with porting were solved by the later units and MA 2 etc. I really do not understand the panic over the modern Diesel units - they have been judged by older engines. Our 1.6 MJ is only 109g/km so way cleaner than the Petrol cars (and I do not normally 'do' Oil-burners.)

 

[Alanw47]

As I understand it the early MA engines could be problematic - I had to replace my MA actuator on my Delta 3 but the issues with porting were solved by the later units and MA 2 etc. I really do not understand the panic over the modern Diesel units - they have been judged by older engines. Our 1.6 MJ is only 109g/km so way cleaner than the Petrol cars (and I do not normally 'do' Oil-burners.)

I feel somewhat similar about my 2.0 MJ. Emissions were fine at MOT and the consumption is so much better than a petrol engine that I wonder if we're being played and made yo feel guilty. Are the emissions really that much worse PER MILE? And having followed a filthy French car belching black smoke every time it accelerated, the dpf does its job well

 

[chris3234]

I feel somewhat similar about my 2.0 MJ. Emissions were fine at MOT and the consumption is so much better than a petrol engine that I wonder if we're being played and made yo feel guilty. Are the emissions really that much worse PER MILE? And having followed a filthy French car belching black smoke every time it accelerated, the dpf does its job well

It's all about Nox emissions at the minute and disels produce far more then petrol cars
Sure in a few years it will be something else that is really bad

 

[stevebrass]

It's all about Nox emissions at the minute and disels produce far more then petrol cars
Sure in a few years it will be something else that is really bad

Not all diesels apparently - seehttps://www.which.co.uk/reviews/new-and-used-cars/article/air-pollution-and-car-emissions/cars-that-produce-the-most-nox

 

[TrevC]

Did I miss something in those videos? I remember the announcement on the new petrol engines, but can't recall any statement that there would be no deisel option. Could have had a senior moment though!

 

[s130]

Did I miss something in those videos? I remember the announcement on the new petrol engines, but can't recall any statement that there would be no deisel option. Could have had a senior moment though!

Fiat UK website only lists the 3 petrol engines:

https://www.fiat.co.uk/new-car-deals/offer.new-fiat-500x

Could be that a diesel version will be further down the line I doubt it given that diesels are frowned upon. Also I guess the 500X still counts as a "small" car not really justifying a diesel engine.

 

[TrevC]

Ah, I hadn't actually looked at the configurator!
Several manufacturers have deleted diesels now, we'll see if one appears in due course.
From looking at the new range, when the time comes to replace my 1.4 Lounge, I'll get something else as they seem to have removed several of the features that appeal on my car.

 

[s130]

UK City version only available with the 1.6 E-Torq engine

UK Cross only with 999cc 3cyl and 1.3GSE engines

Now look at these figures:

999cc 3cyl - 120HP @ 5750 rpm - 190NM @ 1750 rpm

1.3 GSE T4 - 150HP @ 5500 rpm - 270NM @ 1850 rpm

1.6 E-Torq - 110HP @ 5500 rpm - 152NM @ 4500 rpm ( yes - 4500 rpm)

Why have they bothered with the 1.6? Gutless & Torqueless compare to the 1L 3 cyl engine.

Not looked at the fuel economy of them yet

 

[twobigdogs]

Ah, I hadn't actually looked at the configurator!
Several manufacturers have deleted diesels now, we'll see if one appears in due course.
From looking at the new range, when the time comes to replace my 1.4 Lounge, I'll get something else as they seem to have removed several of the features that appeal on my car.

Same here....probably have a look at a Tipo or go to another Manufacturer.

 

[Alanw47]

Had a brief play with the configurator, LED lights now available, which is good. Many of the earlier options are still available, or available again. I don't see any 4x4 option available in the new range and I really do worry about the longevity of small, highly tuned engines. I accept that diesel owners like me are the lowest of the low, but is a small, screaming petrol engine the answer, or will they prove to be fragile?

 

[twobigdogs]

Had a brief play with the configurator, LED lights now available, which is good. Many of the earlier options are still available, or available again. I don't see any 4x4 option available in the new range and I really do worry about the longevity of small, highly tuned engines. I accept that diesel owners like me are the lowest of the low, but is a small, screaming petrol engine the answer, or will they prove to be fragile?

Couple of times I had a Peugeot courtesy car with a three cylinder engine. As I was driving home I thought there was something wrong with the car, lumpy and no power whatsoever .Rough as old boots. Brand new car with less than 500 miles on it. I looked under the bonnet then realised it was a three pot engine. Had another one about 6 months later....that was exactly the same! Awful engine although car was quite nice. Wouldn’t want an engine like that in a 500x.

 

[Alanw47]

Couple of times I had a Peugeot courtesy car with a three cylinder engine. As I was driving home I thought there was something wrong with the car, lumpy and no power whatsoever .Rough as old boots. Brand new car with less than 500 miles on it. I looked under the bonnet then realised it was a three pot engine. Had another one about 6 months later....that was exactly the same! Awful engine although car was quite nice. Wouldn’t want an engine like that in a 500x.

I once had a three pot 500 as a courtesy car and took it back thinking it was dying. It was bearable about 50mph and over but round town it was dire