Why Lease The 500X Dolcevita?
by: Alex BradleyAlex Bradley is a skilled writer and digital content specialist focusing on automotive and sports. He has a degree in Multimedia Journalism and previously worked for The Northern Quota as Head Sports Editor.
Fiat 500X Dolcevita Review 2023
The Fiat 500X Dolcevita is a crossover SUV with a convertible soft top roof. Appealing to families looking for a compact and stylish car, the 500X Dolcevita has modern tech and a well-crafted interior that gives an insight into the Italian good life.
Rivals to the 500X Dolcevita include the Mini Countryman, Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, Skoda Kamiq, and Peugeot 2008.
Our Fiat 500X Dolcevita review covers:
Fiat 500X Dolcevita Key Features
- Exterior based on the Fiat 500
- Comfortable interior
- 350-litre boot
- 1.5-litre hybrid 48V engine
- One trim level
Fiat 500X Dolcevita Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Well crafted interior
- Good to drive around town
- Plenty of equipment as standard
Cons:
- Only one engine
- Small boot
- Falls short of rivals when driving at higher speeds
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The 500X Dolcevita has 'Fiat' and '500' in its name, so it must be good-looking. Assumptions would be correct; it looks like a larger version of the iconic 500 with large headlamps, big wheel arches, and a retractable soft-top roof. We say retractable because it's more like a big sunroof than a completely foldable roof.
Climb inside the 500X Dolcevita, and there's a good amount of room for a family. Two adults can easily fit in the front, and a pair of children will have no issues with the rear space. When the roof is up, there's also plenty of headroom throughout the cabin.
Boot space comes in at 350 litres for the 500X Dolcevita and remains that even with the convertible roof down, as it doesn't fold into the boot. For a crossover SUV, 350 litres is pretty small and falls behind the Skoda Kamiq and MINI Countryman.
Interior and Trims
The cabin is what we've come to expect from Fiat's; it looks good, feels good, and features a range of materials. The dashboard is pretty simple and easy to use, while it also features a nice glossy finish and satin chrome air vents and touchscreen surrounds. It's a classic Italian design and fits the bill, but it falls short of the classy interior in the Peugeot 2008.
On the dash is a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a DAB radio, six speakers, navigation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Because of the compact design, the screen is a bit smaller and harder to use than some of its rivals, like the MINI Countryman and Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet.
Just one trim is available for the 500X Dolcevita, Top.
It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, privacy glass, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a seven-inch radio, a 3.5-inch digital cluster, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver detection, and passive entry/keyless go.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet, there's one engine available. It's a 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine that produces 130hp and goes from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. Although labelled a hybrid, we'd say it's more like a mild-hybrid unit as it uses a small electric motor to help the engine achieve its 49mpg.
It comes with front-wheel drive and has a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Around town, the 500X Dolcevita is a decent car to drive. Because of its compact dimensions and responsive steering, it's easy to manoeuvre through city streets and car parks. It also returns the best fuel economy when at lower speeds, with the engine calling on the electric motor to help.
Increase the speed, and the 500X is a decent cruiser, but there's a bit more road and wind noise than we'd like, especially when compared to its rivals like the T-Roc. Its suspension can also be a bit bumpy, and although it's not uncomfortable, you can feel it.
On a twisty road, it's best to go for the standard Fiat 500 instead of the 500X Dolcevita. There's a noticeable amount of body lean when cornering, and it's not an engaging drive. It's much more suited to nipping around town than having a bit of fun on a back road.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Fiat 500X Dolcevita start from £31,584.00 OTR* or to lease from £384.36 per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Fiat 500X Dolcevita? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.