This past weekend I had the EXTREME pleasure of being invited to drive some cars in Southern California. Not just any car, but the 2016 Fiat 500X. I will be honest with you readers… I have never driven a Fiat in my life! My father owned one during the Swinging Sixties, but short of that, I know they are from Italy and they have really great commercials.
So when I got the chance to go drive one for myself, and by the way, my scenery was going to be a mixture of the coast, canyons and hills of SoCal… I might have sprained my ankle running to get on the plane.
I arrived at the 3Labs Warehouse in Culver City, California and was met with an array of 2016 Fiat 500X’s in every kind of shape and color you could possibly want. They are actually available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors. FIAT and their vehicles are known for all of the great personalization options that they offer the consumer.
We learned some great history and information, not only about FIAT, but also the 500X. Knowing about the thought and time the engineers put into this car got me excited about driving the 500X.
I was ready to get behind the wheel and take it for a spin!
One of the amazing things about hitting the road in SoCal, are the different types of scenery and terrain you will come across. The drivers partnered up and we were given a “course” to drive that showed off not only the beautiful area we were in, but also the well thought out design and handling of the Fiat 500X.
We headed toward the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), jumped on it and then made our way toward the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. The famous L.A. traffic did not disappoint, but my partner and I were quite comfortable in the 500X. We put on some 80’s tunes and enjoyed the ride. Once we hit Mullholland Highway, the scenery nearly jumped into my lap. Our FIAT had a sunroof and we were enjoying every inch of our drive.
The tight and winding roads, at first, were a little intimidating. But, there’s a useful dial on the console that gives the driver three choices… Auto, Sport, and Traction+ modes. I put on the Sport mode and all of a sudden I understood what it must feel like driving a FIAT in Italy. The Sport mode changed my steering effort and throttle response. But, the suspension wasn’t affected, so your ride quality stays exactly the same. Before I knew it, I was taking those turns like a pro!
We also made a stop in Malibu and that was a highlight for me. Driving that beach in the Fiat 500X, with the sunroof down, was one of my favorite driving experiences… EVER!!! The Fiat 500X looked/drove great in the city and the mountains. But for my money, drive one down to the beach and you will want to buy one on the spot.
We reluctantly left the beach and headed back down the mountains toward Culver City. The day really couldn’t have been better and I couldn’t have thought of a vehicle I would have rather been in. I’ve taken many a road trip in my life and the 50+ miles I drove in the Fiat 500X, were some of the best I’ve ever experienced.
Where Would You Drive A Fiat 500X?
Special Thanks to FCA for hosting me. All opinions are my own.