We slipped into the attractive Fiat 500x, here's what we thought!

Like a pair of reasonably priced Italian stilettos, the Fiat 500x errs on the side of fashion over function—a notion that's vastly underappreciated in the realm of crossover SUVs. And is that such a bad thing? The practical-minded in your life might make it seem so, but if you're reading this, you know there's more to life than just numbers. So forget that the Fiat 500x has a turbocharged 1.3L engine that produces an impressive 177-horsepower, gets 30mpg on the highway, and has all-wheel-drive. A car that elicits a sense of fun is always worth a drive, and the Fiat 500x, upon first glance, definitely oozes charisma.

The 500x, then, is undeniably an Italian steed. Soft, flowing lines and 500-inspired styling give the crossover a friendly, inviting look that reminds you to appreciate the beauty of the things around you. Inside, the theatre continues with a very Alfa-Romeo-like steering wheel and gauge cluster, comfortable leather-wrapped seats, and a painted dash that adds to the ambiance in such a way that you don't care that some of the buttons and plastics are blatantly cheap.

Get caught up in it all and you might think you're in something much racier and much more exotic. That's where the letdowns begin.

As far as driving the 500x, the looks don't translate. Its punchy little engine is a joy to ring out, but like taking your husband or boyfriend shopping for homewares, the transmission is sluggish, confused, and doesn't really want to be put under that kind of stress. Throw it into a corner, and it too falls short of "al dente"—rather, it's too soft to be considered fun. 

But I get it, not everybody drives their cars like they're racing in the Mille Miglia, and when driven normally, the 500x is adequately comfortable, efficient, and functional. If there are any complaints you might hear from a layperson, it's that: for a $34,325 car the key fob feels cheap, as well as some of the buttons that adorn the interior, and rear-seat room is noticeably smaller than the competition, but hey, that's the price you pay for fashion. 

The verdict? Looking good is never without a cost, so if you're looking to make a fashion statement and you love the way it looks, do the world a favor and break up the monotony. Go for it. 

What are your thoughts? Have you driven a Fiat 500x? If so, what did you think of it? Let us know in the comments section.