r -44 NIK4ai.:-.7dzeftral

The 2016 Fiat 500X Easy makes a statement in front of Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township.

Harry Kirsbaum I Contributing Writer

y

ears ago, I first saw a Fiat 500 on
the street in Birmingham and its
green color reminded me of our
1970s kitchen oven in my house in Flint.
I got a chance to drive a 500 rental a
couple of years ago: white, stripped-down
and begging for a manual transmission for
the extra power.
But it wasn't until last month — after the
Pope sported a new 500L during his long
weekend in America — that I decided to
test drive a 500 one more time.
Whether it's taking the pontiff to the
White House in a heavily armed motorcade
or taking Herschel to his bar mitzvah lesson
at Temple Beth El, the Fiat 500 is suitable
transportation in a crossover vehicle tradi-
tion and quite fun to drive.
The 500X comes in a wide range of col-
ors, from bright yellow to black, as well as
the groovier 1970s appliance colors.
It also comes in three models, Pop, Easy
and Lounge. Pop is the standard style; Easy
adds a few features like a leather steering
wheel; and Lounge is at implies — extra

50 November 12

2015

The Fiat 500X makes a dashing profile.

The Easy version of the Fiat 500X comes with a leather steering wheel and other interior

extras.

perks are found in the interior.
I drove the 2016 Fiat 500X Easy, with
a base price of $24,400 that included all-

wheel drive, a 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2
engine with 180 horses and 175 pounds
per foot of torque, and a 9-speed automatic

transmission.
The engine can be adjusted to a sporty,
peppier version or to enhanced traction
at the twist of a knob. The safety features
include a remote start system, security
alarm and air bags all around, including
one for the driver's knees.
The 500X has Bluetooth capabilities, it
comes with one-year subscription to Sirius
XM and it looks great at any angle.
All in all, a very fun ride. *

Thanks to Golling Alfa Romeo FIAT in Bloomfield

Township for the test drive and to Temple Beth El for

the destination. You made Herschel happy.