Fiat magnifies utility and comfort in 500X compact SUV

Nine gears, 180 horsepower and a dial on the console that lets me set steering, throttle and gearbox to sport mode, all packaged in a short wheelbase hatchback I’m driving along steep, twisty southern California mountain roads. That formula sounds promising for automotive enjoyment, and the 2016 Fiat 500X delivers for the most part, although I’m mostly taken with this new compact SUV’s comfort and well-tuned running gear.

Fiat introduced this extension of the 500 model line-up at the Paris auto show last year, but given the underwhelming 500L, my expectations for the all-new 500X were diminished. When I got behind the wheel at a Fiat-sponsored event, however, the 500X showed well-crafted capability and utility, with enough power to satisfy most drivers.

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