What's the news?
Fiat senior execs have previously described the 500X crossover to us as "the best-kept motoring secret in Ireland" and it's certainly true that, in spite of a general demand for crossovers and SUVs, the Fiat 4x4 has failed to fire imaginations. Well, at least among Irish buyers.
To try and win over the doubters, Fiat Ireland is chopping the price of the 500X, as well as adding in some 'scrappage' and interest rate deals.
So, for the same entry-level price of the old 500X Pop, at €19,995, you can now have a mid-spec Pop Star model, which used to cost €22,250. Pop Star and Cross versions also come with a guaranteed 'scrappage' trade-in offer of €3,000.
Pop Star trim, with the 1.6-litre E-Torq 110hp petrol engine, comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, 5-inch touchscreen radio with Bluetooth, Uconnect live services, body-coloured wing mirrors, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, electric windows, electric handbrake, cruise control with speed limiter, air-conditioning, fog lights with cornering function, space saver spare wheel and six speakers as standard.
More ritzy Lounge trim comes with privacy glass, bi-xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, lane departure warning, 3.5-inch colour TFT instrument cluster, 6.5-inch touchscreen DAB radio with sat nav and bluetooth, keyless entry & go plus half leather interior, and starts at €21,995 for the 1.6 petrol model.
You can buy a 500X Cross, which is theoretically at least the tough, off-road-y version, for €22,645 with the excellent 1.4-litre 140hp turbo petrol engine, and that comes with traction plus, mood selector, half leather interior, privacy glass, chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch alloy wheels, 5-inch touchscreen radio with Bluetooth, Uconnect live services, body-coloured wing mirrors, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, electric windows, electric handbrake , cruise control with speed limiter, air-conditioning, fog lights with cornering function, space saver spare wheel and six speakers. A Cross Plus model is an extra €2,000 and comes with bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, lane departure warning, 3.5-inch colour TFT instrument cluster, 6.5-inch touchscreen DAB radio with sat nav and bluetooth, keyless entry & go plus half leather interior. It has seen its price cut from a previous €27,150.
In July, an all-new S-Design model will arrive, available with the 1.3 or 1.6 diesel engines. Prices start from €23,245 and the S-Design features 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-finished xenon headlights, dark finished interior, privacy glass, black roof rails (off road version only) , dual zone air conditioning, 5" touchscreen DAB radio with sat nav and bluetooth, keyless entry & go.
Paul Hunt, Managing Director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Ireland DAC, said: "The Fiat 500X is the perfect vehicle for many drivers thanks to its combination of stylish looks, supermini drive-ability and SUV capability. The pricing actions announced today, coupled with the scrappage offers now available make the stylish 500X exceptional value for money ahead of the important 172 plate change."