Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox
The Fiat 500X range kicks off with a 118bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, called the FireFly Turbo T3 1.0 120, which is available only with a manual gearbox and covers a 0-62mph sprint in an adequate 10.7sec.
The other choice is a four-cylinder 1.3-litre petrol engine with 148bhp, called the FireFly Turbo T4 1.3 150, which comes only with an automatic gearbox. That extra lump of power means it’s the quicker of the two, covering 0-62mph dash in 9.6sec, but the gearbox can be frustratingly slow in its shifts. We’d stick with the manual FireFly Turbo T3 1.0.
Small SUV rivals, including the Skoda Kamiq and the T-Roc, are better controlled and more comfortable.
Handling
The Fiat 500X in most trim levels leans noticeably through corners. The firmer suspension of Sport trim reduces the effect a little, but the Ford Puma has more controlled body movements that make it much more engaging for an enthusiastic driver.
There's decent grip, but the vague steering robs you of confidence and will stop you wanting to push the car hard in corners. Even with Sport trim’s slightly weightier feel, there’s very little sense of connection to what the front wheels are doing – the Puma and Seat Arona are light years ahead in that respect.
