Where Fiat’s facelifted 500X fits in the popular crossover segment

The updated Fiat 500X is now on sale in South Africa with prices starting at R509,900.

The Italian crossover is available in three trim levels, including an all-new convertible option called the Extended Soft Top (EST). This roof is able to fold itself electronically in just 15 seconds and can be deployed while traveling at speeds of up to 100km/h.

Other upgrades given to the revised 500X include body-coloured wheel arches and side skirts, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, skid plates, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and a dual-chrome exhaust.

All versions of the car now also come with dual-zone climate control, a stop-start function, lane-keep assist, six airbags, ABS, hill assist, and a 7-inch Uconnect infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition.

As for propulsion, Fiat has installed a 1.4-litre, turbo-petrol powerplant across the range which is linked to a six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.

The result is a power output of 103kW and 230Nm, alongside a frugal 5.7l/100km fuel consumption on an average cycle.

South Africa’s favourite segment

These are the various models that can be found in South Africa’s crossover market, of which the 500X is the only one to offer a convertible roof.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

Suzuki Vitara 1.4T GLX auto

• Starting price – R469,900
• Power – 103kW/220Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T Executive

• Starting price – R472,900
• Power – 108kW/210Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.8l/100km

Haval Jolion 1.5T S Super Luxury

• Starting price – R479,950
• Power – 130kW/270Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.5l/100km

Toyota C-HR 1.2T Plus auto

• Starting price – R498,500
• Power – 85kW/185Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.4l/100km

Jeep Renegade 1.4T Longitude

• Starting price – R499,900
• Power – 103kW/230Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km

Proton X50 1.5T Luxury

• Starting price – R499,900
• Power – 110kW/226Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.4l/100km

Mazda CX-3 2.0 Individual

• Starting price – R511,600
• Power – 115kW/206Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.7l/100km

VW Taigo 1.0TSI R-Line

• Starting price – R513,100
• Power – 85kW/200Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS

• Starting price – R519,990
• Power – 110kW/250Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.7l/100km

Kia Seltos 1.4T-GDI GT Line

• Starting price – R523,995
• Power – 103kW/242Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km

Hyundai Kona 1.6T Executive

• Starting price – R530,900
• Power – 146kW/265Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.5l/100km