General 500X 2018 Revamp

[JTD_Liam]

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.

The diesels have been updated (with AdBlue injection ), but won't be offered in the UK anymore. We don't need all three diesels - the 1.3 Multijet was dropped a few months ago - but the 1.6 Multijet was popular and I think it'll be missed.

More details here: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/fiat-500x-updated-line-500

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

The 1.6 e-Torq is a typical 'entry' engine. I don't have a problem them offering it, but I don't understand why it's the sole offering in the Urban trim level and why they didn't also offer the new 1.0 3cyl. Not everyone's going to want the off-road look just to get the new engines. As I mentioned previously, I see tonnes more 'City Look' (mostly PopStar) versions than I do 'off-road look' Cross/Cross Plus versions. A shame because the other updates look good.

 

[TrevC]

I was very impressed by the performance of the 1.0 3-cyl turbo in an Astra. Only just over 100bhp but loads of torque. I think the 1.0 will be ok in the 500X, but I'm used to my 140bhp and would want a manual.
Alan, the small 500 doesn't come with a 3-pot. If it was lumpy around town it was the 2-cyl twinair engine. You have to get used to running in a lower gear than you would expect at low speed, then it's fine. I had one for six years before my 500X and loved it!

 

[Alanw47]

Alan, the small 500 doesn't come with a 3-pot. If it was lumpy around town it was the 2-cyl twinair engine. You have to get used to running in a lower gear than you would expect at low speed, then it's fine. I had one for six years before my 500X and loved it!

Not for me I'm afraid. Thinking back I'm sure the dealer used the Twinair word so you're undoubtedly right, I knew it was less than 4. Fortunately I only had it for 24 hours, I don't think I could ever learn to enjoy it.

I'm just an old git that likes big, lazy engines [emoji23][emoji23]

 

[TrevC]

Yes, plenty of lovers and haters on the 500 forum. Certainly a "Marmite" engine.

 

[JTD_Liam]

I love the TwinAir engine - Parents had one in their 500 for just over 3 years. The 1.2 isn't bad at all for its age & power output, but the TwinAir has so much character and still delivered nearly the same MPG as the 1.2's i've used have managed.

I'm hoping the 1.0 3cyl is just as good but a bit less divisive than the TwinAir. You can get the 1.0 in manual form, but the new 1.3 4cyl is auto-only, which I think is gonna harm sales from people who've previously had the popular 1.4 MultiAir 140 engine with manual gearbox.

 

[Garree001]

I had a twinair in a MiTo courtesy car once. Though it was broken! It was like an old petrol lawnmower and I felt like I had to tread on it to start it.

On the subject of three pot engines, Ford's 999cc one has won numerous awards and yes it's a lovely drive except when low in the rev range. However they keep going bang and Ford are desperate to keep this under wraps. They know there are major problems but their solution in the face of an expensive set of repairs is to be extremely aggressive with customers. The main problem is the bargain basement cooling system they installed. Very fragile. But being such a small and light engine that runs very hot means that even a miniscule coolant leak results in catastrophic failure. Had numerous battles with Ford myself and know their tactics.

In short, I'd have to think extremely carefully about getting a small screaming engine with less than 4 cylinders.

 

[micloi]

I think I will be keeping mt 2lt diesel 4x4 for a while then.
Love the torque of the engine, especially when mapped. So effortless to drive!

 

[simon_16vpunto]

Just driven the 1.0 firefly for around 20 miles as I’m on the training course for the new 500x just now.

First impressions-
It’s not quite as nippy as my multijet, despite having the same power, however it is smooth and extremely quiet, like very quiet.
I’d go as far as saying it’s as good as the 1.0 ecoboost in my wife’s fiesta.
Guys here are saying for the first hundred miles or so the engine is extremely tight then it loosens up a lot.

The new lights on both the front and rear are really smart, but other than the engine, no drastic change.
Currently trying to work out of the rear lights are retro fit to mine, as with the led running lights
It looks mint in the blue though....

 

[Alanw47]

Strange to relate I've just had a phone call from my dealer wanting to know if I was interested in trading in my 500X against one of the new models. I don't think he liked my price

 

[stevebrass]

I had a Fiesta with the 1.0 Litre EcoBoost and I was mighty impressed with it. Subject to a test drive I would be happy with it. However, I do fancy an automatic next time so it might be the 1.3 with DCT for me.

 

[JTD_Liam]

Read these earlier:

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/fiat/500x/first-drives/fiat-500x-2018-review

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fiat/500/104526/new-fiat-500x-2018-review

Seems the 1.0 copes much better in the 500X than in the Renegade.

Auto Express say "While it felt a little strained in the heavier, boxier Renegade, it feels much more at home in the sleeker Fiat 500X. In fact, it’s our pick of the updated range". They're less complimentary about the 1.3 4cyl - probably in-part due to it being attached to the auto gearbox.

Perhaps this is partly why the Renegade has kept the meatier diesel engines in the UK whereas the 500X now goes without.

 

[simon_16vpunto]

Just home after an 8hr drive in a 1.0 turbo Kia ceed which is ****!
Anyway the rundown of the car—-

Urban- 1.6 e torq 110bhp only
City cross/ cross plus 1.0 firefly 120bhp and 1.3 firefly 150bhp DTC
1.0 is 3 cylinder, 1.3 is a 4 cylinder. They didn’t have any 1.3’s there as they aren’t in production until October.

No diesels or no 4x4
Firefly will have a gasoline particulate filter to meet euro 6 d regulations.
Mood selector deleted on all models,
Led headlamps are an option (£750 as part of an led pack which also gives you interior ambient lighting) on urban and city cross, standard on cross plus.
All have lane departure, traffic sign recognition standard, as well as Apple car play and 7” screen.
All have body coloured dash standard as well now.

Cappuccino beige remains as the no cost colour ?, Italia blue £550.
£2000 price increments from urban to city cross, city cross to cross plus.
Roof rails a £200 option on city cross, standard on cross plus.

Keyless entry no longer available on any models. They seem to think the electric sunroof option is gone too but couldn’t confirm 100%.
Servicing for the firefly is the same, 12 months/9000 Miles.

 

[Garree001]

Shame about keyless entry. I'm surprised at how much I love it.

 

[citronr]

This probably shows all the improvements/amendments better - Surprised by the 1.0 3-cylinder and no more Diesel's?!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62fdTrtdhcQ

Actually the 1600cc Mjet diesel will still be available here in Italy. That being the case I cannot see the case for buying the 1000cc Mjet3 cylinder petrol. That engine will cost more to buy, consume more of the more expensive fuel and have the same 120HP output. I am guessing the petrol engine will also produce less torque than the diesel. The previous 110 hp 3 cylinder petrol engine was not very well liked here. There is also always the question of longevity with a small displacement high output turbo petrol engine. I am guessing that Fiat FCA will stop selling the 1600cc diesel in some markets because people in those markets will not make the choice to buy that high revving quirky 3 cylinder if they have the choice of buying the more efficient 1600cc diesel.

 

[s130]

Well looking at the general details and specs it seems clear to me that FCA are attempting to model and brand differentiate, which I guess was always the long term plan.

So Jeep will be for the rugged and off road, 4x4
Alfa Romeo will be for the top end, expensive, so called luxury
Fiat for the mundane city shopper run around

Dropping the keyless entry, engine options, engine mode/mood selector, engine bay under tray and xxxx yyyy etc pulls a lot off the 500X good credentials and dumbs it down to the mundane city shopper. Now you would think that having done so we could see a price drop but I guess not.

Sort of begs the question why they keep the 500X given all the changes. The 500 and 500L adequately covered the mundane city shopper run around segment. The 500X was to appeal to the next step buyers wanting something a little different. Now they have clipped it's wings.

 

[Alanw47]

Well looking at the general details and specs it seems clear to me that FCA are attempting to model and brand differentiate, which I guess was always the long term plan.



So Jeep will be for the rugged and off road, 4x4

Alfa Romeo will be for the top end, expensive, so called luxury

Fiat for the mundane city shopper run around



Dropping the keyless entry, engine options, engine mode/mood selector, engine bay under tray and xxxx yyyy etc pulls a lot off the 500X good credentials and dumbs it down to the mundane city shopper. Now you would think that having done so we could see a price drop but I guess not.



Sort of begs the question why they keep the 500X given all the changes. The 500 and 500L adequately covered the mundane city shopper run around segment. The 500X was to appeal to the next step buyers wanting something a little different. Now they have clipped it's wings.

I have to confess that I naively believed that Fiat wanted the 500X to be a 'premium' product. Hi Spec, comfortable etc etc with an excellent range of engine options and packs.

With the latest down-speccing for the new 2018 model I can longer think that's the case.

Shame on you Fiat. It might go some way to explain why my dealership are so desperate to buy my Opening Edition back off me.

 

[s130]

Shame on you Fiat. It might go some way to explain why my dealership are so desperate to buy my Opening Edition back off me.

No, surely not

If you plan on long term holding onto your Special Edition then I would go round the car and brochure noting all the "special" items especially badges and trim. Would then look a getting spare parts while they are still possibly available. Fiat are pretty poor (well based on my experiences) at keeping stock of special edition badges and trim should you ever need to replace a broken, faded, stolen, etc. item.

 

[Ralf S.]

Shame about keyless entry. I'm surprised at how much I love it.

I saw it on the configurator. It was part of one of the ("Technology"?) packs.


Ralf S.

 

[Ralf S.]

I think the dropping of diesel and the slightly puny Firefly engines is so that Fiat can qualify for the new Euro-emissions rules that come in from September 2018 and get progressively tighter in 2021;

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-carmakers-billions-european-co2-fines.html

I guess in time we *may* see a bigger engine in the 500X but for now Fiat (and everyone else) has to meet the emissions requirements and "no engine" is one way of doing that.

I like the restyle... and it looks fantastic in Italia Blue... but the Urban only being available with the old (Chrylser) 1.6 E-Torq is a pity and would prevent me buying one.

I'd probably give the 1.0 triple a go if that was an alternative but given a free choice of any of the components that could be available, I'd go for the 1.3. Again, Fiat has made the decision more tricky for me (I'm the one guy in the UK who wanted a Tipo saloon... ) by only offering an Auto' box on the 1.3. Again, the 1.3 is a new engine so a manual gearbox may follow...

But if I was in the market for a new 500X with a petrol/manual that wasn't the old Chrysler unit, then I'm obliged to take the Cross doodah with the 1.0 ltr manual or lump it... whereas my ideal spec' would be an Urban with a 1.4 (as still available in the 500L) and with 150bhp (as not available in anything any more). I think the new X won't sell with the latest, very limited spec's. If Fiat sticks the Firefly into the Urban too... then they'll shift half as many units again.


Ralf S.

 

[s130]

I think the dropping of diesel and the slightly puny Firefly engines is so that Fiat can qualify for the new Euro-emissions rules that come in from September 2018 and get progressively tighter in 2021;

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-carmakers-billions-european-co2-fines.html

The AA say:

The latest standard, 'Euro 6', applies to new type approvals from September 2014 and all new cars from September 2015 and reduces some pollutants by 96% compared to the 1992 limits.

The Euro 6 test became more stringent from September 2017 with the addition of an extended on-road emission test known as Real Driving Emissions or RDE.

BUT I DON'T THINK THIS IS THE REASON FIAT ARE DROPPING ENGINE CHOICES (diesel excluded)

I looked at the new Tipo engines and they are all already Euro6 and the range is better and you can have the manual / auto choice as well.

Maybe they want better Tipo sales so have clipped the 500X's wings leaving customers to hopefully step up to the Tipo, or as will be more likely go and by another make of car.