Fiat has introduced a new member to the ever popular Fiat 500 range. The Fiat 500X, due to make it’s appearance in spring 2015, is a compact crossover ready to take on the mighty Nissan Juke.
The 500X is longer, wider and taller and is a much more meaty version of the retro Italian bubble shaped supermini, with two styles to choose from. One has a chic styling, the other a more rugged look for an off road appearance. Each version retains the familiar quirky round headlamps and the straight chrome grille. The Fiat 500X will continue to aim for the fashionable end of the market.
Built on a modified platform of the Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Punto, the 500X will be available in front wheel drive and all-wheel-drive versions. There are four petrol and three diesel engines available. Choose from the FWD 1.6 litre petrol 109bhp with a 5 speed box or a 1.4 litre turbo Multiair II 138bhp with either a 6 speed manual or 6 speed twin clutch auto box. The manual FWD diesels include a 1.3 litre 94bhp with 5 speeds and a 1.6 litre 119bhp with 6 speeds. The All-wheel-drive model comes with a 9 speed auto box as standard on the petrol 1.4 litre turbo 168bhp; the 9 speed auto box is an option on the 2.0 litre turbo diesel 138bhp which comes with a 6 speed manual as standard.
So as not to be confused with the Fiat 500L the 500X has been treated to a whole new design to the dash, centre console and instrument panel; infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth and USB connection are standard.
A feature that is appearing more often in modern cars is the technology to re-adjust the engine, transmission, steering and braking to suit driving conditions and all Fiat 500X versions benefit from this with ‘Drive Mood Selector’. Auto mode will adjust as you drive, Sport mode tightens up the car’s responses and All Weather mode is there to guide you through slippery road conditions.
Fiat are hoping that along with a huge effort to improve service and dealer experiences that the 500X will help them to meet their production target of 1.9 million cars a year by 2018.
Prices for the Fiat 500X are expected to start from around £14,000.
10 October 2014
