DODGEMS, did you like a session on the dodgem cars?

I loved a bid of dodgem. Started off dodging the gamekeeper. Moved on to the farmer and his shot-blown complexion before starting on the licensing laws and the tax man.

I now try to dodge all gardening, boring cars and salad. I am particularly good at the salad part.

Fiat's 500X is one of those cars you don't have to dodge because the last thing it is is boring.

A cheeky monkey of a thing it is hard to believe that it is founded on the roughly-tufty Jeep Renegade, a car I have done things to beyond the reasonableness of man.

For Off-Road-Look models, fear not, there are two trims to choose from - Cross and Cross Plus.

The former gains 17-inch alloys, roof rails, cruise control, rear parking sensors and hill start assist, while inside there is a partial leather upholstery, climate control and Fiat's Uconnect infotainment system.

Upgrading to the Cross Plus adds luxuries such as bi-xenon headlights, sat nav, and keyless entry and start

The decor is more mature, but you'll find plenty of stylish flourishes, including the retro metal-look door handles, an elegantly integrated infotainment screen (whose navigation system was occasionally confused) and, on all models bar the Cross, a body colour-finished horizontal décor strip. The more rugged-looking Cross versions get a textured alloy-look finish.

Most of the mouldings are high-quality.

The seats are stylish, the instruments neat beneath and the dash-mounted switchgear good.

There's plenty of space, too including in the rear. With door bins, which are much wider than the average.

Boot space is generous and agood shape, around the average at 350 litres. offering similar space to the competition with easy to fold seats that leave a flat load deck. So the 500X suit families. It's a decent enough experience for the driver, too.

The 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel in the DDTI is expected to be the UK's best-seller. It's good for a 0-62mph sprint in 10.5sec and 69.9mpg combined, while issuing a competitive 109g/km of CO2.

Resentment is less impressive. Oh sure the all-wheel drive version is an able beast if limited af road but it as hardly ever goi8ng to give you saddle sores.. However it is a a tad noisy on the open rad although around town maneuverable nd a hand piece of kit.

The four-cylinder turbocharged 138bhp petrol won't be the company buyer's number one choice, but then I am wondering what sort of company buyer would choose one. It surely lacks Sid the Salesman appeal?

The 500X impresses at 0-62mph in a respectable 9.8 seconds.for a family chugabug. The ride itself is mostly pretty good. Having tried versions on both 17-inch and 18-inch wheels, if you value ride comfort we'd definitely say less is more.

For the most part, the 500X makes an effective and pleasant way to travel, its stylish interior serving plenty of space, practicality, comfort and the decent view of a crossover.

It's still got the style to win you over with a great interior, sensible prices and decent equipment, your head can get on board, too.

It is one for your shopping list if you are a family with a bit of style and soul which likes fun. Prices for the X start at £19, 500. Basically nothing to dodge aruind.