Fiat 500X VS MG HS
Fiat 500X
Likes
- Fun looks
- Good interior
- Great safety package
Dislikes
- Iffy transmission
- Oddball ride
- Slow
MG HS
Likes
- New design looks sharp and appealing
- Pleasant to drive when safety alerts are switched off
- Cabin space is class-leading
Dislikes
- Comfort of seats leaves a lot to be desired
- Annoying to drive when safety alerts are on
- Technology needs serious work
Summary
Fiat 500X
Fiat's indomitable 500 is one of the great survivors - not even VW's recently deceased New Beetle could keep riding the nostalgia wave, partly because it made itself just that little bit out-of-touch by not being a car anyone can buy. The 500 avoided that, particularly in its home market, and is still going strong.
Fiat added the 500X compact SUV a few years ago and at first I thought it was a daft idea. It's a polarising car, partly because some people complain it's capitalising on the 500's history. Well, duh. It's worked out well for Mini, so why not?
I've driven one every year for the last couple so I was keen to see what's up and whether it's still one of the weirdest cars on the road.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.4L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.7L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
MG HS
If the previous MG HS was a kid, the next-gen model is well and truly an adult. Stylish and mature with its new design, the mid-spec Excite brings some serious pulling power for families thanks primarily to its low pricing.
Being a mid-sized SUV means it re-enters the most popular segment and the new model has its work cut out as it rivals the GWM Haval H6, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5.
The new features, including its safety systems and engine, have to be up to snuff. In this review we’re going to see if they are and if this MG's low pricing delivers good value overall.
Read more about
- MG's most popular car gets powerful hybrid makeover: 2025 MG ZS revealed ahead of imminent Australian release for Toyota Corolla Cross and GWM Haval Jolion rival
- Massive $15,000-plus price cut for family SUV: MG HS plug-in hybrid price slashed as next-gen SUV prepares to hit Aussie roads to tackle the BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander
- New cut-price small hybrid SUV confirmed: 2025 MG ZS Hybrid locked in for Australia to rival the Hyundai Kona, Haval Jolion and Toyota Corolla Cross
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Fiat 500X6.8/10
The 500X is a fun-looking alternative to the various options available from everyone else and is - overall - better to drive than its Renegade twin.Â
It packs a very good safety package which you can't ignore but does lose points on the warranty and servicing regime. But it's also built to take four adults in comfort, which not every car in the segment can boast.
Would you choose the Fiat 500X over one its better-known competitors? Tell us in the comments section below.
MG HS7.4/10
The MG HS Excite is a mixed bag and difficult to score. What it does well, it does really well. And what it does poorly, well...
The pricing is great, the driving is pleasant (when those alerts are switched off) and the new design is sharply styled. Plus the space in the cabin will offer even larger families room to move.
However, the overall comfort, technology and some of the big safety systems need serious work and let down an otherwise decent mid-sized SUV.
Design
Fiat 500X7/10
Look, I like the 500X, but I know why people don't. It's clearly a 500X in the way a Mini Countryman is a Mini. It looks like a 500, but get closer and you see the difference. It's chubby like a $10 weekend market Bhudda statue and has great big googly eyes like Mr Magoo. I find this endearing, my wife does not. The looks aren't the only thing she doesn't like.
The cabin is a bit more restrained and I quite like the band of colour stretching across the dash. The 500X is meant to be a bit more grown up than the 500, so there's a proper dash, more sensible design choices but it still has the big buttons, perfect for the meaty fingers of people who won't be buying this car.
MG HS
The previous shape of the HS was pleasant, if unremarkable but the new-gen model offers bigger dimensions being 81mm longer, 14mm wider and riding on a 45mm longer wheelbase.
A new grille with slim LED headlights headlines the redesign but the body features crisp pleating that runs into a shapely rear. It's bolder, more distinct on the road and far sharper than before.
The new design should make it a firm competitor against rivals like the Sportage and CX-5, which offer a sportier vibe for the segment.
Head inside and the interior has had a thorough look-in, as well. Additional soft touchpoints are scattered throughout to elevate the premium feel. There's a new steering wheel and a heavier use of soft materials versus harder plastics.
The dashboard is slick-looking and features an eye-catching technology panel that houses the dual 12.3-inch screens.
There is still a lack of personality inside that seems inherent with these more affordable Chinese makes but it looks far more premium than its grade level might suggest.
Practicality
Fiat 500X7/10
At just 4.25 metres, the 500X isn't big, but makes the most of what it's got. The boot impresses at 350 litres and with the seats down, I think you could reasonably expect to triple that figure, though Fiat doesn't have an official number that I can find. For added Italian feel, you can tip the passenger seat forward to get really long things in, like a Billy bookshelf flat pack from Ikea.
Rear seat passengers sit high and upright meaning leg and kneeroom are maximised and with that tall roof, you won't scrape your head.Â
The doors each have a small bottle holder for a total of four and Fiat has got serious about cupholders - the 500X now has four.
MG HS
Access and space for both rows would have to be class-leading and you don't feel like you're in a 'mid-sized' SUV.
When it comes to comfort you're bang out of luck, though, as the front seats aren't the most comfortable, even on shorter trips.
The driver's side is the better of the two (the front passenger seat isn't as wide) but both are too hard, narrow and the front passenger side sits too high. Limited adjustments are available and you miss out on lumbar support, which is crucial on a longer trip.
The and higher than drivers side and no height adjustment is available on the passenger side.
The back seats are marginally better with more padding under the butt but there's still a bench-seat element in cornering, which means you'll be jostled in turns.
The back seat is wide, though, so you can take advantage of the three top-tether points if you have a few tots in tow.
Storage is average for the class and the cabin lacks some of the clever cubbies competitors feature but the glove box and storage bins are XL and there is a dedicated phone tray up front.
Four cupholders, two drink bottle holders and two map pockets round out the individual storage.
The boot now offers 507L of luggage capacity and that’s plenty big enough for a decent grocery haul but it is on the lower end for the class.
You get a temporary spare tyre under the floor but no powered tailgate, and the lid is heavy to open and close.
The technology isn't great despite looking flash because the touchscreen on the multimedia system is slow to respond and most systems are accessed via the menu screens with limited physical buttons available.
That means its a punish to access climate control or music while on the go.
Climate control is a bit dodgy as the AC function seems to dip in and out and will just blow air occasionally despite the car not having an auto start/stop function which might have explained it.
The built-in satellite navigation is clear, however, and easy to use but it alerts loudly whenever you enter a new suburb and in the city, that means it chimes a lot.
Coupled with all of the other alerts this car bangs out, which I'll get to in the Safety section, it’s a bit much.
You only get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means a messy cable in the cabin and charging options are basic with four USB-A ports and a 12-volt socket. Big brand rivals have it beat on that front.
Price and features
Fiat 500X7/10
I drove the Pop Star, which is the second of the now-two model "regular" range, the other being the, er, Pop. I drove a Special Edition in 2018 and it's not clear if it is Special as there's also an Amalfi Special edition. Anyway.
The $30,990 (plus on-road costs) Pop Star has 17-inch alloys, six-speaker Beats-branded stereo, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, keyless entry and start, active cruise control, sat nav, auto headlights and wipers, leather shifter and steering wheel and a space-saver spare.
The Beats-branded stereo speakers are supplied with noise from FCA's UConnect on a 7.0-inch touchscreen. The same system is in a Maserati, don't you know. Offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, UConnect loses points by shrinking the Apple interface into a lurid red frame. Android Auto properly fills the screen, for some reason which is ironic given Apple owns the Beats brand.
MG HS
The model line-up for the new HS includes three petrol-powered variants, the version on test for this review being the two-wheel-drive mid-spec Excite.
There are hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants arriving in 2025, to offer further choices.
Its direct rival is the Haval H6 Lux, which has the same drive-away price of $36,990, but the nearest and similarly-specified big-name competitor, the Kia Sportage SX+ 2WD, costs $42,050 MSRP while the Mazda CX-5 GT-SP starts at $50,310 MSRP.
While it offers better value than most, the price point for the HS has jumped $5000 for the new-gen model but some great features are included as standard like synthetic leather upholstery, a 360-degree view camera system, satellite navigation, dual 12.3-inch tech screens and MG’s 'iSmart Connect' app.
Other standard features include keyless entry and start, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, fog lights, LED exterior lights, a temporary spare tyre, a retractable cargo cover and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet
Fiat 500X7/10
Fiat's rather excellent 1.4-litre turbo MultiAir does duty under the stubby bonnet, making 103kW and 230Nm. Rather less excellent is the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which sends power through the front wheels only.
It's rated to tow a 1200kg braked trailer and 600kg unbraked.
MG HS
The new HS has a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine that produces 125kW of power and 275Nm of torque, outputs that are both slightly up from the old model.
If that combo doesn't ignite any passion, there are new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models coming in 2025.
The HS is front-wheel drive only and has a new seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission that is very smooth with its gear changes.
Efficiency
Fiat 500X6/10
Fiat rather optimistically suggest you'll get a combined cycle figure of 5.7L/100km but try as I might, I couldn't do better than 11.2L/100km. What's worse, it demands 98RON fuel, so it's not the cheapest car to run. This figure us consistent with past weeks in the 500X and no, I wasn't thrashing it.
MG HS
The Excite has a low official combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel economy figure of 6.9L/100km and based on its 55L fuel tank, you should see a theoretical driving range of up to 797km, which is respectable for a family SUV.
My real-world usage sat at 6.6L/100km after mostly open-road driving with a smattering of urban stuff thrown in. It's a great result but may be higher in a straight urban environment.
Driving
Fiat 500X6/10
Again, I shouldn't like the 500X but I really don't mind it. It's flawed, which might be why.
The dual-clutch transmission is dumber than a box of loose cogs, lurching from start and looking the other way when you expect it to shift. We know the engine is a good one and I think part of the reason it's so thirsty is the confused way the transmission goes about its business. I'd love to drive a manual to see what it's like.
The 500X initially feels worse than its Jeep Renegade sibling-under-the-skin, which is quite an achievement. Part of that is to do with the ride, which is very choppy below 60km/h. The first 500X I drove wallowed about but this one is a bit tauter, which would be good if you weren't punished with this bounciness.
The seats themselves comfortable and the interior is a good place to hang out. It's reasonably quiet, too, which is at odds with the old-school silliness of its conduct. It feels like Labrador let out of after day kept inside.
And that's where the car I shouldn't like is a car I do like - I really like that it feels like you're on Roman cobblestones, the type that make your knees hurt when you walk on them for a day. The steering wheel is too fat and is at a weird angle, but you kind of square up to it and drive the car like your life depends on it. You have to take it by the scruff, correct the shifts with the paddles and show it who's boss.
Obviously, that's not for everyone. If you drive it really gently, it's a very different experience, but that means going slowly everywhere, which is no fun at all and not at all Italian.
MG HS
The new HS is better than the previous model with power delivery and on-road performance. You feel like you have a decent well of power to dip into and it’s delivered promptly - making the Excite a pleasant open-roader and a fun urban dweller.
The handling is well-tuned with good suspension that lets you ride over bad bumps without too much fuss and the steering is direct, which makes it feel nimble and sure footed.
The cabin is more refined with very little road or engine noise creeping in, even at higher speeds. Visibility is excellent thanks to wide windows and none of the pillars get in the way.
It’s great to see the addition of the 360-degree view camera system and although it’s not the best quality it’s a bonus for a family SUV.
The reversing gear is pretty much the only blip on an otherwise great transmission, though, as it tends to judder and feels hesitant when you are reversing into a spot.
Safety
Fiat 500X8/10
Out of the box, you get seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls, forward collision warning, high and low speed AEB, active cruise control, rollover stability, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot sensor and rear cross traffic alert. That's not bad for a $30,000 car full stop, let alone a Fiat.
There are two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchors for baby seats.Â
The 500X scored a five-star ANCAP rating in December 2016.
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MG HS
The new-gen HS just received a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It has seven airbags, including a front centre bag.
The Excite also includes a long list of crash-avoidance features like AEB, blind-spot monitoring, rear and front cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure alert, emergency lane keeping, forward and rear collision warning, tyre-pressure monitoring and a 360-degree view camera system.
It's nice to see MG includes a full suite of safety features for even it's base model which, frustratingly, is not always the case across the segment.
However, several systems are the most intrusive I've experienced in everyday driving. I’m looking at you driver monitoring system, but the speed sign recognition tech is a culprit, too. And there are too many chimes, alerts, bings and bongs to distract you. Both of these technologies were also called out by ANCAP in its assessment.
It's awesome to see such a great safety features list but it's not enough to just tick the box of inclusion... these systems do have to work well otherwise they become a distraction rather than helpful.
Ownership
Fiat 500X6/10
Fiat offers a three-year/150,000km warranty, along with roadside assist for the same period. It's not great as more manufacturers shift to five years.Â
Service intervals arrive once a year or 15,000km. There is no fixed or capped-price servicing program for the 500X.
MG HS
The HS is offered with an excellent 10-year/250,000km warranty which is the best unconditional warranty offer in this segment at the moment!
The five-year servicing program is a bit expensive as it averages at $507 per service but the servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12-months or 15,000km whichever occurs first.
The HS loves a premium drink, though, and only takes 95 RON fuel.