Nissan Juke Nismo RS Review

Nissan Juke Nismo RS Review - The Nissan Juke is one of the original crossovers, offering a quirky alternative to hatchback’s like the Volkswagen Golf, and it has proved to be a smash hit for Nissan. The Juke was face-lifted in 2014 to keep it fresh against a slew of new rivals, and the car behind me was also tweaked. Called the Nissan Juke Nismo, and now the Nismo RS, it offers something quite unique, because it’s a crossover with the specification of a hot hatch. Power has been increased from 197 to 215bhp, the Juke’s body structure has been reinforced and the brakes and suspension uprated. So what’s it like? Well, the driving experience is actually a bit of a mixed bag, with some things we love, and some we don’t. The steering wheel feels great thanks to this grippy alcantara covering, but because it only adjusts for rake, getting comfortable can be tricky. Set off and the steering feel is good and the gearbox is superb, slotting into place really quickly and with a lovely mechanical feel. The ride quality is also pretty good, so the Juke is more comfortable day-to-day than something like a Fiesta ST, but, it’s the 1.6-litre engine which lets the side down. Where most modern turbo petrols pick up from really low down, the Nismo’s is quite lethargic below 3,500rpm and then feels strained above 5,000 revs, so you are left with quite a narrow power band to get the best from it. 

For such a sporty car, it also doesn’t sound like it relishes being exploited. Drive along a country road and the Juke’s extra height gives you a good view of the road and the suspension works well, allowing some body roll, but keeping the car planted and stable, without getting upset by bumps. Front wheel drive versions like this one get a limited slip differential, which helps the car hold its line when you accelerate through a corner, while four-wheel drive versions only come with an automatic gearbox, so wouldn’t be our choice for driver involvement. If you are familiar with the Juke, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS will be familiar, but with go-faster touches. The best option to tick is the one for these Recaro seats, which might come with a hefty £1,300 bill, but really change the character of the car and pin you in place. Beware though, this side bolster does make getting in and out a bit of a workout. It’s also worth considering Nissan’s Safety pack (use B-roll), which adds Around View Monitor, Safety Shield, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot warning and Moving Object Detection to help avoid collisions. Being fairly tall, headroom shouldn’t be a problem and there’s just enough room in the back for two adults. 

There are also two deep cupholders in the front, large door bins and a place for your wallet and keys in the centre console. The boot was improved for the facelifted Juke, and with 354-litres it’s not far off a Golf’s in size. The artificial floor can be moved and the rear seats folded down if you have more luggage to carry. It’s another vote for two-wheel drive here, because the four-wheel drive system takes up precious space, shrinking the boot to 207-litres. Nissan say’s the Nismo RS is infused with maverick engineering, and we’d agree. Our favourite thing about it is the fact no one seems to know there’s a quick Juke, so driving this oddball makes journeys rather amusing. But, despite its abundent character, there’s no denying the hottest Juke isn’t perfect, and a car lower down the range would make more sense for most people. 39mpg economy and a gruff engine won’t suit everyone, but like the Juke’s looks, this is a polarising car and some customers will absolutely love it, warts and all. Thanks for read Nissan Juke Nismo RS Review.

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Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo Review

Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo Review - When it was released in 2009, I didn’t expect the Skoda Yeti to do as well as it has, because it’s boxy, utilitarian shape seemed out of kilter with the rest of its stylish crossover competition. But the fact is, it quickly become one of the most talked about cars in its segment, and for all the right reasons. Refreshed in 2014, the Yeti line-up offers everything from 2WD city dwelling models to 4WD Outdoor models – and even this style-orientated Monte Carlo edition. Regardless of which model you go for though, Skoda claims that the Yeti offers a balance of performance, style and family practicality. Well, let’s see if it lives up to that promise. The interior may not be that quirky or stylish, but it does offer a familiar Volkswagen Group feel, meaning build quality is great. This chunky steering wheel along with a slightly raised ride height, offers a solid, SUV feel as well. Equipment levels can be lavish if you go for the likes of the flagship Laurin and Klement model, but entry-level Yetis are well-equipped too, with Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility, air con and a host of safety kit. The Monte Carlo model gets dipped in vibrant red and black paint and has a custom body kit, sportier seats and carbon touches added to the dash. The rear and boot is what really impresses though Leg and head room is great in the back, but it’s the flexibility of being able to slide the whole row back and forth and even recline that gives it the edge over some of its competition. These clever seats also come into play with storage space, Open the boot and there is 416 litres on offer, a tad smaller than the Nissan Qashqai. 

However, there are loads of different folding seat combinations, courtesy of Skoda’s Varioflex seating system. You can even take the rear seats out all-together, allowing for 1,760 litres. So in this case, it beats the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 for overall storage space. You may expect the Yeti to be quite bland to drive, but that definitely isn’t the case and you’re sure to be surprised how nippy it feels. It certainly doesn’t sway into bends like its boxy shape might suggest. Its steering adds to this enjoyable feel, with plenty of feedback and weighting that is not too light or heavy – offering a great mid-point between inner city and outer urban driving. The only time you will ever register its boxy looks is when it comes to visibility, but that is for all the right reasons, as there is plenty of glass around. Actually, tell a lie, you will be reminded of its boxy shape at motorway speeds – because unfortunately there’s some wind noise. 

A plus point for refinement however is its composed suspension set-up. Its ability to tackle multiple environments is reflected in its engine line-up, as the range starts with a 104bhp 1.2-litre petrol, and is topped off with a 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which we’re driving now. And with this diesel, you get plenty of punch, and a 0-62 sprint time of just 8.4 seconds, although it is accompanied by a fairly large rumble. The efficiency option is the 1.6-litre Greenline diesel, which will return an average of around 50mpg, not quite on the same level as the Qashqai and its 70mpg figure though. As I mentioned earlier, the Yeti does come in four-wheel-drive, so it’s more than capable of tackling dodgy mud trails and the added traction will easily get you up a slippery hill. Some will argue that crossover SUVs are all about style, and the Yeti goes against the grain in that respect. But the undisputable fact is, it sells. And although it may not be a typecast crossover SUV in terms of looks, it offers a surprisingly enjoyable drive and plenty of comfort. Thanks for read Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo Review.

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Mercedes SLK Review

Mercedes SLK Review - Now in its third generation, the Mercedes SLK has carved itself a niche as a comfortable, stylish roadster, which is particularly good to live with day-to-day thanks to its folding hard top roof. And, despite MERCEDES mastering the tin-top roadster in the 90s, all its rivals, like the BMW Z4 and Audi TT roadster still come with a soft top. So, is that alone enough of a reason to choose the Merc? Time to go for a drive. It's a cold October morning, so we're starting with the roof up, and you know what, you can see why MERCEDES' engineers came up with this design, because it really does feel like driving a coupe. Definitely a small coupe though, because it's quite snug in here and you sit very low to the ground. Mercedes offers x petrol engines, but we're in the 250d, which is really popular in the UK thanks to its punchy performance and spectacular economy, which sets it apart from all its rivals except for the TT. At first it's a bit odd hearing the diesel, especially when the roof is down, but Mercedes has done a good job of hushing any clatter and you soon get used to its muted growl. In fact, after a while I found myself enjoying the way you can whizz through the countryside at the crack of dawn, almost like you're in 'stealth' mode, without any loud cracks from the exhaust. Acceleration to 62mph takes 6.6 seconds, but the most important pub fact is xxxNM, which is how much torque it sends to the rear wheels. Oh, and there's now a standard 9-speed auto, which is smoother and faster than the old 7-speed tiptronic box, has nicer shifter paddles and improves the mpg to 64.2mpg How's the handling? Well, your opinion will probably depend on how you approach the Mercedes SLK. This car is fitted with AMG sport suspension and wheels, but it steel feels like a small grand tourer rather than an aggressive sports car. 

As a road car it works well, with lots of grip, enough comfort and precision to be satisfying and appeal to a wide range of drivers. What it isn't, is a car you'll take on track at the weekend, so if that's you, the Boxster will be more your thing. Nope, drop the roof, and the SLK is happiest at 70 or 80 per cent effort, threading between the hedges letting you soak up the sun, on those rare occasions we get any sun of course. Cruising along also gives you chance to enjoy the sLKs other big strength, it's well-finished interior, which takes its styling cues from the SLS supercar. With black leather, a really good to hold steering wheel and clear dials, this is a Roadster which treads a happy line between luxury and sportiness. This brushed aluminium not only looks expensive, but it feels it, because it's cold to the touch. The controller wheel for the COMAND system is intuitive to use, as are the climate control knobs, but there are quite a few buttons to get used to. The switch for the roof, thats neatly hidden under this leather flap, to avoid any accidental knocks. And, one thing you can't see, but you can feel, is the fact the SLK is shaped so the breeze goes over your head without spilling into the cabin and ruffling the you and your passenger even at fairly high speeds. 

The boot is easy to load items into and big enough for a weekend away, with 335 litres of space when the roof is up. But, if you want to stow the roof it shrinks to 225 litres and you need to pull this safety device down. The SLK isn’t cheap, costing from £33,020 for the 250d, while the range-topping AMG 55 is much pricier at £55k. It’s undercut by the Audi TT Roadster, which starts from £27,150, while the BMW Z4 costs from £29,690, but there are attractive finance deals available, which make the SLK more affordable than it first appears. The SLK offers drivers a small and affordable Roadster, which has feels expensive and looks stylish and has boasts comfort than its rivals. It's appeal doesn't lie in its ability to set track lap times, or ultimate handling precision, but just how easy and rewarding it is to own for the everyday driver. Thanks for read Mercedes SLK Review.

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Volkswagen Passat Estate Review

Volkswagen Passat Estate Review - Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Passat Estate is a stalwart of the motoring industry, racking up 22 million sales worldwide. If it was a goalie, it would be considered a very safe pair of hands. But, as good as the last Passat was, it could never be described as particularly exciting. With sharper looks, a lighter body and stylish new cabin, the latest Passat is hoping to attract more customers through its sheer desirability, not just attractive leasing deals. Having just been made European Car of the Year, it’s off to a good start. We often praise Volkswagen interiors for their logical dashboard layouts and impressive quality, but not for being very daring. So, by VW standards this continuation of the vent detailing across the dashboard is borderline radical and gives the Passat a contemporary feel. Even the standard S model gets DAB radio, Bluetooth and eight speakers. Sat-nav is included with this SE Business trim level and above, bringing an crisp 8.0-inch touchscreen and the possibility of adding Car-Net. This brings online traffic info, points of interest and google street view. From later this year, you’ll also be able to choose a 12.3-inch display to replace the instrument panel, as seen in the Audi TT. 

The previous Passat was hardly pokey inside, but this one has a 33mm longer cabin thanks to all four wheels been pushed out to the corners of the car. Knee room for rear passengers is very good, as is head room. The estate’s boot has increased in size by 47 litres to 650, easily surpassing the Mondeo’s 500 litres and Insignia Sport Tourer’s 540 litres. The Passat is around 85kg lighter than before, the equivalent of asking one large adult to get out and walk. It also comes as standard with driver profile selection, sharpening up the throttle and steering in Sport mode. Like the outgoing model, the Passat makes an excellent motorway cruiser, but it also has faithful handling, with plenty of grip. It might not be exciting to drive, but comfort is excellent, with bumps soaked up with little fuss and very little noise in the cabin, which is crucial for the Passat owners who will spend several hours in their car each day. 

The all-diesel line-up starts with the 118bhp 1.6-litre TDI we’re testing, followed by a 148bhp or 187 2.0TDI and even a four-wheel drive 237bhp model. We’ve found the 11.0 second acceleration to 62mph of the 1.6 feels rather sluggish, so we’d recommend the 148bhp diesel which is expected to be the best-seller. The 1.6 will appeal to business drivers though, returning 68.9mpg and emitting only 107g/km of CO2, costing £20 each year in road tax. The latest Passat might only look subtly different, but that’s just the Volkswagen way, it’s actually been thoroughly improved. The interior is now so good it can hold its own against the likes of Mercedes and BMW, and the Passat is smooth and quiet to drive. The Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 are slightly more fun to drive, but the gap is now far smaller and the Passat is a great all-rounder. Thanks for read Volkswagen Passat Estate Review.

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Audi A4 Review

Audi A4 Review - While crossovers and SUVs might be flavour of the month with buyers, the big German manufacturers still see executive saloons as critical to their success. So, this latest Audi A4 has a tough fight on its hands against some of the world’s best: the 3 Series, C-Class and all-new British upstart, the Jaguar XE. To win over customers, Audi has gone all out on its interior quality, smartphone connectivity and refinement. In fact, this run-of-the-mill A4 is about as quiet on the motorway as the A8 luxury saloon. Audi is already known for its great interiors, but even by its own high standards, the A4 is on another level. It looks incredibly smart in here, with a wing-shaped dashboard sweeping across the cabin. The large centre console is stylish and functional with the gear selector in this automatic doubling up as a hand rest when you’re using the MMI controller. Every button oozes quality, and little touches like the climate control icons which expand as you reach for them, just help to set the experience apart. 

Even the SE trim gets a seven-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with rear parking sensors. Unlike the 3 series, sat-nav isn’t standard, it’s fitted when you step up to the Sport trim, which also adds sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and better speakers. Choose the S line and you’ll get LED headlights and sweeping rear indicators, 18-inch wheels, sports suspension and a body kit. Of course, being an Audi there are plenty of options, like the Virtual Cockpit which we’ve already heaped praise on in the TT and Q7. Hop in the back, and the A4 has become more spacious, with 23mm extra legroom. It’s wider as well and you can sit three back here, so some may even question if they need the larger A6, when the A4 is this accomodating. 

As for the boot, it’s on a par with rivals and beats the XE, with 480 litres of space behind the folding rear seats. Of course, this being the saloon, the boot opening is wide, but its height is somewhat restrictive, so if that’s an issue you’ll be better off with the Avant estate with its larger hatchback. There are a couple of things you need to know about the A4. Firstly, it’s over 100kg lighter than before, and secondly it is incredibly aerodynamic, helping it cut very cleanly through the air. Now, along with improved suspension, you can really sense this as you drive, because the A4 both feels lighter on its feet and much quieter than before. In fact, this car is fitted with glazed noise-reducing side and rear windows, and at almost any speed it’s serene inside the cabin. 

We just drove to London and back in the same day for an event, and after 400-miles and about 8 hours behind the wheel, the lack of fatigue was really noticeable. Every part of the car, including these door-mounted and ridged door mirrors has been fine-tuned to reduce turbulence, cutting wind noise. There are of course lots of options to go for, including manual or automatic, diesel or petrol and front or Quattro four-wheel drive, so Audi has most bases covered. This car could be the pick of the bunch though, it’s the 2.0-litre TDI with 187bhp, front-wheel drive and an automatic. It gets from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds so feels plenty fast enough, the auto suits the A4 far better than the manual and you can still return 67.3mpg. 

The 148bhp Ultra diesel might be even greener, but the step up in performance here is noticeable. The steering isn’t dripping with feel, but it’s accurate, and while the A4 never feels playful like the XE or 3 Series, it just gets you down the road with minimum fuss and in comfort. Yes, even with this S line sport suspension and optional 19-inch wheels, it rides pretty well, and comfort or adaptive suspension is available to make it even better. The A4 1.4-litre petrol starts from just under £26k, which gets you get an incredible amount of car for the money. 

This 2.0 TDI S line S tronic costs from £33,345, although this one has some quite pricey options, taking it up to £40k. It compares well with rivals though, even undercutting the C-Class slightly. The new A4 might look quite similar, but it is a very different beast. The way it drives, its refinement, efficiency and technology have all been given a major upgrade. Not only that, but the interior is a sensational place to spend time. It might not excite like the 3 Series or XE can, but if you spend more time on motorways than an idyllic mountain pass, the A4 will make a great companion and you might even start accepting far-flung meetings all over the country. Thanks for coming in Audi A4 Review.

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Hyundai i40 Tourer Review

Hyundai i40 Tourer Review - The business and fleet market can be a tough nut to crack, with competition ranging from everything like the Vauxhall Insignia to the Mercedes C-Class. So what about the Hyundai i40? The 2015 Hyundai updated its Hyundai i40 Tourer range with some new tweaks to its exterior, making it look much more modern and stylish, and rejigged its engines and transmissions. So let’s see what it’s got to offer. 

The i40’s interior has obvious traits of Hyundai about it, with this funnel-like dashboard shape that neatly houses all the whistle and bells and the brand’s unmistakable blue lightning, which looks particularly cool at night time. Equipment across the range lives up to Hyundai’s well-equipped reputation for high kit levels, with every model gets Bluetooth and USB connectivity a leather wrapped steering wheel with convenient audio controls and 16 inch alloy wheels. The SE Nav model we are driving is great for those who are going to be eating up motorway miles, with a touchscreen navigation system with a rear view camera, cruise control with speed limiter and heated seats. 

Its seating position goes hand-in-hand with its cruiser personality, with plenty of adjustment and supportive seats that really hug you in place which is great for long trips. Those chunky C-pillars do obstruct your rear vision a bit though. Although you are unlikely to have a full car of passengers, the i40 is more than capable, with leg room in the rear being enormous. And thankfully the slightly sloping roof doesn’t aped on headroom too much either But does this leg room threaten boot space nope, not one bit. There is 553 litres on offer with the seats up trumping its Insignia Sports Tourer and Mondeo Estate rivals, and 1,719 litres with the seats folded down. The only problem is that the seats don’t fold completely flat, which is worth noting if you travel up and down the country with a bike or plenty of luggage or a surf board. Motorway cruisers don’t necessarily need to be amazing in the handling department, because let’s be honest, you are going to be driving in a straight line the majority of the time. 

The Hyundai i40 though offers good levels of responsiveness and speed sensitive power steering, giving a bit more character to it as it can adjust accordingly. Its drive definitely offers more predictability and confidence than the Insignia, but the Mondeo still has the edge when it comes to agility. As long journeys will no doubt be on the itinerary, the i40’s supple suspension will serve you well, but, although the suspension masks the lumps and bumps in the road, the small thumping sound does still make it through to the cabin. The 1.7-litre diesel available comes with two power outputs, 113 and 139bhp. The 139bhp variant we are driving will return an average of around 50mpg in real world driving and emits 114g/km of CO2. is its coupling with a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Once you are up to speed this gearbox accelerates through the gears very smoothly, but when you are edging off at junctions or edging your way backwards on the driveway, it can be a bit jolty, and this takes some getting used to. 

With that said, it is very smooth and comfortable all-round and so much so, you end up coming to the end of your journey so relaxed, that you want to take a bath each to their own I suppose. Priced at £1,250 more than the i40 saloon, the Tourer model sits in between its ford and Vauxhall rivals at just under £21,000 and you know what, when it comes to driving dynamics and interior quality, it sits quite comfortably in between both those models. But let’s not forget its five year, unlimited mileage warranty which will be a particularly enticing proposition for anyone after a cruiser. Thanks for read Hyundai i40 Tourer Review.

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Nissan Qashqai Review

Nissan Qashqai Review - It says a lot about the rising popularity of the crossover that the format, along with superminis, made up the bulk of 2.5 million new cars sold in the UK last year. Surely then, it says a lot about the Nissan Qashqai as well, with more than a million of the things sold since it first launched back in 2007. People are buying Qashqais up like they're going out of fashion, but does it still have what it takes to keep up with fresher, newer rivals? Generally considered to be the first true crossover as we know it, the Nissan Qashqai aimed to combine SUV ride height and capability with everything people love about comfortable family cars. To that end, the cabin is big and spacious and quite well laid out with this large centre-mounted touchscreen. Although some leather panelling or something in the top trims would be nice to break the mundanity of all this plastic, but given that this is a car that starts from around just 18 and a half grand, it’s not bad at all. We’ve got the range-topping Tekna model, which will set you a little under £25,000, but it comes with an impressive amount of kit that includes automatic lights, leather seats and cruise control, plus DAB radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Pound-for-pound, the base Qashqai comes with a lot more standard equipment than the majority of its rivals, while all except the entry-level model get Nissan’s full suite of Safety Shield technologies which includes things like blind spot detection and a 360-degree surround-view camera and which helped the car earn the title of the safest car you can buy. 

Climbing in the back, things are spacious and both leg and headroom are decent, while you’ve also got ISOFIX attachments for child seats. However, if seven seats are a necessity then Nissans larger and ever-so-slightly more rugged X-Trail might be a better option. Boot space with the rear seats folded up clocks in at 430 litres, but adjust this false floor and fold the rear seats down and you get a full 1,585 litres, more than enough to take what most average sized families can throw at it. We have to admit that when I first took delivery of this car I was a little bit unenthused, it just felt a little squishy around the edges, but having driven it for a few days it has actually grown on me a lot. The ride, while not as cosseting as some of its rivals, is pretty comfortable, with a plushness to the way it tackles bumps and cracks in the road; you know they’re there, but you don’t really feel them. Likewise, while you don’t get much in terms of feedback from the steering it is reasonably well weighted and direct, and there’s not quite as much body roll as you might expect from a car of this size. The first-generation Qashqai had a bit of a reputation for being quite noisy on the road, but this model is impressively refined and hushed, even at motorway speeds, while the 109bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine in this model is nowhere near as gruff as some of the oil-burners in its rivals. 

It’s got a fair amount of punch as well, but the real selling point of this engine is its efficiency. With front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, the only options available with this motor, it emits just 103g/km of CO2. Nissan says it can return up to 70.6mpg on the combined cycle, though we’ve only been able to return around 45 in this car, but that’s still not bad. The gearbox, however, could use some work as it feels really rather clunky; the automatic available in other engines is much smoother. Prices for the Qashqai kick off at £18,545 and range all the way up to around £29,000, making the base model considerably cheaper and more cost-effective than rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. If there’s one criticism you could aim at the Qashqai, it’s that it mightn’t offer much by way of thrills. But to say this is unfair; it’s comfortable, it’s safe, it’s well-equipped and it sells like hotcakes. The original genre-defining family crossover might find itself with stiffer competition these days than ever, but it’s still a chart topper nonetheless. Thanks for visit Nissan Qashqai Review.

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Fiat 500X Review

Fiat 500X Review - After the smash-hit success of the Fiat 500 city car, and the release of the practical 500L, comes the latest model in the 500 family. Called the 500X, it gives fiat a crossover to go head-to-head with models like the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman. Styling-wise, it’s a success, with Fiat’s retro design cues working well here. Its large circular headlights and chrome grille are well executed, and on looks alone, the Fiat 500X should attract plenty of buyers. Hop inside, and the driving position feels quite low-slung for a crossover, but you can lift the seat up a bit for a more commanding view of the road. It’s neat and stylish in here too, with different finishes available for the dashboard, attractive dials for the air-con and what looks and feels like a pool ball on the gear lever. Trim levels are Pop, Popstar, Lounge, Cross and Cross Plus, and this Pop Star model has rear parking sensors, climate control, a touch-screen with Bluetooth and a USB connection. We’d avoid the entry-level Pop trim as it does without the uConnect infotainment system. Any criticisms? Well, Fiat has given the trip computer lots of prominence in the central pod, but that means the speedo is rather small, making it hard to read at a glance. There are also some scratchy plastics lower in the cabin, but overall, this is one of the best Fiat interiors yet. 

If you’re upgrading from a Fiat 500, the X will feel very roomy, but as Crossover’s go it’s still on the small side thanks to that curved roof. Four adults should be comfortable though, unless those sat in the back are particularly tall. The driving position is pretty good, with a well-placed arm rest improving comfort on long trips. There are also two gloveboxes and cup holders in the centre console and door bins, as well as places to put your mobile phone. Measuring 350 litres, the boot isn’t the biggest in the class, and models like the Renault Captur can carry around 100 litres more. It’s also a shame the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, making it harder to load large items like furniture. Still, for those simply after a stylish small crossover, it should suffice. There’s quite a lot of choice when it comes to the Fiat 500X, but we’d say this 1.4-litre petrol with 138bhp in Pop star trim is probably the sweet spot in the range. It’s a refined engine, which feels plenty quick enough and comes with a slick six-speed gearbox. And, because the engine is fairly light, it should offer the best handling of the bunch. But if you want the best economy, there are three diesels with 93, 118 or 138bhp, either front or four wheel drive and a manual or nine-speed automatic. 

And, with the mid-power 1.6-litre returning almost 70mpg it’s sure to be popular. Fiat has clearly tuned the 500X to be taut, because it corners with hardly any body roll and plenty of grip. In fact it’s at its best on a twisty road, and in town, where its slightly raised driving position comes in handy. But, there’s always a compromise, and in the Fiat’s case it’s a firm ride, so it’s less relaxing than we hoped, and we’d recommend avoiding the biggest 18-inch alloy wheels. We’d also leave the Sport mode alone too, as it makes the car feel rather flighty in town and gives the artificial steering feel a rather gloopy feel. If you want to partake in some light off-roading, the Cross version comes with a tough body kit and front wheel drive models are available with a traction control system, to help keep you going if one wheel begins to spin. The 500X starts from £14,595, which puts it in the same ballpark as the £13,930 Nissan Juke, but undercuts the pricey MINI Countryman, which starts from just over £17k. This 138bhp petrol Pop star model costs £17,595 and if the 500X can replicate the superminis success, it should hold its value fairly well. Thanks for read Fiat 500X Review.

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