The Fiat 500X has been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, and is set to go on sale in 100 countries around the world. The compact crossover will join the Fiat 500, 500C, 500L and 500L Trekking, and the 500L Living models.
The 500X will come in two versions; one being a more “metropolitan” approach, the other focused on leisure. There will be a choice of diesel and petrol engines, as well as two automatic transmissions and one manual transmission. Buyers will also be able to choose between front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive with Traction Plus.
At launch, the Fiat 500X will feature three engines; a 104kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (front-wheel drive and six-speed manual), a 90kW 1.6 MultiJet II (front-wheel drive and six-speed manual), and a 104kW 2.0 MultiJet II (nine-speed automatic and four-wheel drive).
A first for Fiat is the availability of a nine-speed automatic. The transmission will be offered with the 127kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II petrol (set to join the 500X at a later date) and the 104kW MultiJet II turbo-diesel. The nine-speed features “shift-on-the-fly” mapping, as well as manual-sequential mode.
All four-wheel drive versions will feature a rear axle disconnection system that can disengage the rear wheels when not in use to reduce drag. The rear axle system can seamlessly switch between the two drive modes without any input from the driver.
Sitting at 4.25 metres long (4.27 metres for the leisure model), 1.8 metres wide, and 1.61 metres tall the Fiat retains the compact style of the modern Fiat 500, but adds increased ground clearance for recreational activities. Boot space is rated at 350 litres.
Safety-wise, all 500X models will come with six airbags, daytime running lights, and electronic stability control. Some higher-spec models will also benefit from lane and blind spot assist.
Other standout features for the 500X will include touchscreen infotainment system that will range from 5-6.5-inches depending on the model, digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional ‘Beats Hi-Fi’ stereo system – developed by Beats by Dr. Dre.
The Fiat 500X is under strong consideration for Australia. If the 500X does make it to our shores it would join the 500 and 500C. Prices for the Fiat 500 start from $16,000.
