Fiat 500X scampers across the Alps

Thu, 02 Oct 2014

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here. It's the new Fiat 500X: the rounder, somehow even more retro version of the Jeep Renegade. Joining an ever-expanding Cinquecento lineup alongside the 500, 500C and 500L, the new 500X is – to our eyes at least – the most handsome yet... better looking, at any rate, than the somewhat ungainly Mini Countryman. But despite its more fluid lines, the new 500X is barely any longer than the Renegade and only slightly less tall.

Taking the place of the previous Suzuki-based Sedici, Fiat will offer the new 500X in two versions (one more cosmopolitan, the other more rugged), with three transmissions, three traction systems and a whole mess of different engines. The list starts with a 1.4-liter turbo four with 140 horsepower and a 1.6-liter diesel with 120 hp, later to be joined by a 1.6-liter with 110 hp, a more powerful 1.4-liter turbo with 170 hp and finally the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with 184 hp. Gearboxes will include 5- and 6-speed manuals and – in a Fiat first – a nine-speed automatic, driving the front wheels (with our without traction control) or all four.

Buyers will also be able to choose between 12 exterior colors, seven interior combinations and eight wheel designs ranging from 16 inches to 18, adding up to a long list of configurations to give the 500X the same kind of mass-customization options that have made its stablemate so successful. The 500X will be manufactured in Melfi, Italy, alongside its Jeep counterpart and will eventually reach over 100 markets around the world – including North America.

The Fiat 500X débuts at the Paris Motor Show

The Fiat 500X débuts at the Paris Motor Show, the new compact crossover in the 500 family that marks the evolution of the brand and technology through the development in its DNA.

A beauty with character, the new car explores a brand-new dimension of being 500, where a mature, elegant, all-Italian style "clothes" - like haute couture - the substance of a car that is comfortable, high-performance and always in touch with the world: that's the X side of beauty, and that's the soul of the Fiat 500X.

Heir to the Fiat 500 of 1957 - the stylistic reference of the rounded lights and the classic logo with chrome-plated bonnet trim is clear - the new Fiat crossover extends the 500 family, comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models: cars which are very different in terms of vocation and character, but which have the same roots in common: the iconic Fiat 500.

Built in the updated SATA plant in Melfi (Potenza) and sold on more than 100 countries worldwide including the United States, the new Fiat 500X will be available in two different versions with two different souls - one more "metropolitan" and the other ideal for leisure - equipped with efficient diesel and petrol engines, three types of transmission - manual, 9-speed automatic or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic - and with front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive with Traction Plus configurations.

500X "goes beyond" current customer targets

The Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in its very nature, but also because it is of interest to many different types of customer in terms of different sexes, ages, needs and tastes. In this sense, the "X" symbol represents the exponential element, a crossroads for segments that vary greatly among themselves, each inhabited by the young and the mature, lovers of beauty and connoisseurs of character. They are dynamic, with an active social life and they cultivate different passions and interests. What they have in common, however, is the desire to enjoy a satisfying driving experience and express their own personality through a distinctive style. Today they all find a clear, exhaustive answer: Fiat 500X.

Two versions are available: the first, characterised by distinctive, elegant style details, is sure to win over young, dynamic and metropolitan customers. The second version, instead, has a decidedly more off-road look and equipment which make it the ideal solution for lovers of leisure and outdoor activities who don't want to give up the unique style of the Fiat 500.

Style and dimensions

Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the new 500X represents a new dimension of the unmistakable 500 where its iconic style and the modern concept of the crossover collide, with the addition of the respectable off-road capability ensured by the version most suitable for an outdoor lifestyle.

With a big personality and distinctively Italian design, the new car is characterised by flexibility, rationality and quality firmly embedded in its compact dimensions, in the ample interior space and the choice of premium materials and fabrics, as well as the most sophisticated technology in the service of safety, comfort and well-being on board.

The solid, robust appearance of the car finds its perfect stylistic counterpart in the harmonious line, which emerges in dimensions ideal for customers looking for comfort space and the equipment typical of compact saloons. At the same time, the 500X also gives a nod to those who need to tackle urban traffic every day, thanks to its modest dimensions: it's 4.25 metres long (2 cm more for the version suited for leisure), 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres in height (with roof bars or 4-wheel drive the figures are 161 and 162 cm respectively).

Compact outside, welcoming inside: a large, protective environment with extensive use of fine materials, high-quality finishes and practical storage compartments. A comfortable passenger compartment which is unmistakably Made in Italy and offered in no fewer than seven interior configurations, through matching of various types of fabric, leather and colours. This is all made even more functional through the many seat adjustment possibilities and the spacious luggage compartment (350 litres).

Finally, the customer can chose from 12 different liveries that emphasises the sensual form of the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels

Engine versions

The new Fiat 500X offers, according to the EMEA market, various combinations of engine, gearbox and transmission to meet all usage requirements, always with respect for nature and maximum efficiency in terms of performance, consumption and emissions.

At launch, the engine line-up will feature the 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox), the 120 HP 1.6 MultiJet II (also with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox) and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (with 9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive).

The range will later be completed by the 110 HP 1.6 "E-torQ" (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive) and the powerful 184 HP Tigershark 2.4 (9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive).

The 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II will also be available with front-wheel drive and dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. More in detail, the innovative dual clutch sequential automatic transmission secures both more driving comfort and a sportier feel than a traditional automatic transmission, and greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption. Conceptually, the device consists of two transmissions in parallel which allow extraordinarily rapid shifts by releasing one clutch and engaging the other one simultaneously.

Also available will be the following turbodiesels: the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II (with 5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive) and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (with 6-speed manual and 4-wheel drive).

Nine-speed automatic transmission

The 500X crossover is the first Fiat car to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, in combination with the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II turbodiesel, offers many advantages, including great capacity for pick-up and smooth delivery of power. With electronic control, the new nine-speed automatic transmission features "shift-on-the-fly" mapping, with the possibility of switching to manual-sequential mode.

4WD and rear axle disconnection system

The new Fiat 500X is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. A particular feature of the new Fiat crossover's four-wheel drive is the adoption of a rear axle disconnection system that permits a reduction in energy wasted through drag when four-wheel drive operation is not required, thus ensuring greater efficiency in terms of consumption. It is the only car in the segment to offer it, together with the Jeep Renegade; the rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver.

"Drive Mood Selector" and Traction Plus system

The new 500X offers the " Drive Mood Selector ", which acts on engine, brakes, steering and gearbox/transmission, permitting three different car behaviours, based on the driving style most appropriate to the situation or road surface conditions: Auto (for the best in terms of comfort, consumption and CO2 emissions), Sport (for a drive that favours performance) and All weather (maximum safety even in low grip conditions).

On the versions more suitable for leisure, All weather mode is replaced by the "Traction" function, which, in the case of the four-wheel drive version, speeds up the transmission of torque to the rear axle. On the versions with front-wheel drive, on the other hand, it activates the "Traction Plus" control system, which on one hand improves grip on rough, slippery terrain, and on the other costs less and has lower emissions than a conventional four-wheel drive, proving more efficient in light, everyday off-road use.

Handling and safety

Equipped with MacPherson suspension at the rear, the Fiat 500X ensures the right balance of handling and comfort. What's more, to guarantee protection of occupant, the new Fiat crossover combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety content that ensures excellent performance. As standard on the entire range is some important content, such as six airbags (front, window bags and side bags), front headlights with daytime running light function and fog lights with cornering function, in addition to the sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control). In addition, depending on the version and market, the advanced Lane Assist (lane departure warning system) and (lane change assistance system to get around blind spots) devices are available as standard or on request. On request, it is also possible to equip your 500X with the new ParkView rear camera for reversing and the "Brake Control" (assisted braking system).

Infotainment

In terms of comfort and infotainment equipment, the Fiat 500X stands out in its category thanks to the sophisticated UconnectTM systems with 5" or 6.5" touchscreens. Both versions come complete with Bluetooth interface, Aux-in connector, USB port, SD port and voice commands. Additionally, the Uconnect 5'' Radio Nav device offers TomTom 2.5D navigation while the Uconnect 6.5" Radio Nav features satellite navigation with 3D maps, progressive route guidance and 'One Shot Voice Destination Entry' to enter addresses with voice commands.

Using the colour touchscreen, the system lets you access all the main functions: from the analogue and digital radio (DAB) through to all the main multimedia sources (media player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone) which can be connected via USB port or Aux-in socket or Bluetooth audio streaming. This can all be managed directly using the steering wheel controls in order not to look away from the road or take your hands off the wheel.

The new Uconnect TM Live system also allows customers - through integration with their smartphones - to use many apps on the on-board system so that they can always be in contact with their friends on Facebook and Twitter; listen to millions of music tracks on Deezer andover 100,000 real radio stations with TuneIn ; get real-time news updates from Reuters and information on the traffic, speed cameras, autovelox and weather thanks to TomTom Live services.

Finally, the Fiat 500X offers "eco:DriveTM", which permits a saving of up to 16% in fuel costs and reduced CO2emissions, in addition to the "my:CarTM" service, which helps with maintenance and dealing with emergencies with an interactive user manual.

In terms of audio, the exclusive Beats Hi-Fi system is available on request. Developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr. Dre and launched on the 500L model, it revolutionises the way music can be experienced inside the new Fiat 500X.

By Noah Joseph