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Fiat in fine form with the 500X compact SUV (pictures)

Fiat's latest model, the 500X, enters the compact SUV segment, giving drivers a comfortable and roomy cabin in a capable little car.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Fiat follows up its 500L model, a family-size version of the 500, with the 500X compact SUV.

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Fiat in the US runs as a single model marque, similar to Mini, calling its range of cars '500.'

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The 500X features similar styling as the 500 model in front.

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A higher riding position and about two feet more in body length distinguish the 500X from its diminutive sibling.

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Fiat offers two engines for the 500X. The base model comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, but every other trim uses this 2.4-liter four cylinder.

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The 500X uses a front-wheel-drive platform, but all-wheel-drive is optional.

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Independent suspension front and rear is well-tuned for comfort and handling.

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HID headlights show off the 500 model name. As this is a pre-production car, Fiat may change this to read 500X when it hits dealer lots.

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The available all-wheel-drive system can completely disconnect from the rear axle to improve fuel economy.

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A swooping side graphic helps visibility, but thick A pillars still block some of the corner view.

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As a comfortable compact SUV, the Fiat 500X makes a good vacation car, commuter and general errand runner.

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The front-wheel-drive version showed tight, responsive handling.

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The 500X shares a platform with the recently released Jeep Renegade.

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The interior looks good for an economy car.

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The high roof helps rear seating space.

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A cargo area of 18.5 cubic feet is not overly spacious, but fits with the segment.

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The electric power steering features a sport and comfort program.

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The instrument cluster includes analog gauges for speed and tach to the left and right, and a monochrome display in the middle.

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Fiat fits the 500X with a nine speed automatic transmission.

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The Fiat Dynamic Selector changes drive modes between Automatic, Sport and Traction.

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This 5-inch display comes standard in all but the base trim 500X.

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Audio sources include AM, FM and satellite radio, along with two USB ports and Bluetooth streaming.

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The center display shows detailed trip information.

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The rear-view camera includes trajectory lines.

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