108 WheelsMag.com.au
Space oddity
Brilliant mise-en-scene conveys
an exceptional feeling of space.
Remarkably comfortable low-
back seats and flat floor remind
us of an Austin 1800 from the
’60s, and we love the luggage-
inspired door pulls. Funky flip-up
glovebox lid continues the theme,
with rubber nodules intended to
let you place your phone there
and not have it slide around.
Digital speedo almost perfectly
accurate, though tilt-only wheel
adjustment is a bugger.X Factor
500X cabin uses Fiat-Chrysler’s
parts bin to useful effect, yet
manages to convey its own
personality. Commanding driving
position, sliding centre armrest,
clear instruments and logical
‘UConnect’ touchscreen make
the Fiat an easy car to live with
... if you don’t mind swathes
of clammy red vinyl. Rear seat
fails to match the front pair for
comfort, however, and the overall
feel lacks both the Mini’s quality
and the Citroen’s class, as well as
the baby 500’s designer fun.Details, details
Everywhere you look, Mini
Clubman has the detail design
to impress. A more cohesive and
mature dash arrangement sets it
apart from the 3/5dr Minis, while
stuff like proper door bins (that
actually house bottles) make
genuine practical sense. But it’s
the textures that count. Non-slip
rubber mats (in the door bins and
in front of the gearlever) have a
plaid print embossed on them,
and the test car’s optional sports
seats are a lesson to everyone in
how to make cloth trim look cool.Family matters
All that sparkles in Vitara’s
interior is stuff that we like.
Beautifully clear instruments,
a terrific leather-clad wheel, a
tactile touchscreen arrangement
and neat HVAC controls are each
a pleasant distraction from its
hard, econocar plastics. Likewise
flashes of red stitching, red vent
surrounds and Vitara’s signature
oversized analogue clock. Rear
seat capable of seating three in
comfort, though Cactus is better.CITROEN
CACTUS
|
FIAT
500X
|
MINI
CLUBMAN
|
SUZUKI
VITARA