The new Fiat 500X crossover - this is the X side of beauty

Introduction

After making its debut at the Paris Motor Show with an original reveal, today the 500X is presented to the international press, the new compact crossover from the 500 family which marks the evolution of the brand, a further expression of the technological maturity that runs in its blood.

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: this is the X side of beauty, and this is the soul of the Fiat 500X.

A descendent of the 1957 Fiat 500 – the stylistic reference of the rounded lights and the classic logo with the chrome-plated moustache on the front end is clear – the new Fiat crossover extends the 500 family, comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models: cars diverse in vocation and character, but which all share the same roots: the iconic Fiat 500.

Built at the updated SATA plant in Melfi (Potenza) and sold in 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", the other ideal for leisure use – 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, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive with "Traction Plus" configurations.

The Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in its very nature, but also because it appeals to a wide range of customers, male and female, of different ages, with different needs and tastes. In this sense, the "X" symbol represents a crossroads between several very different segments, each inhabited by the young and the mature, lovers of beauty and connoisseurs of character. These people 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. For all of them today, there's one clear, comprehensive response: the Fiat 500X.

The 500X comes in two versions: the first – available in Pop, Popstar and Lounge trim levels and featuring distinctive, elegant styling – is sure to win over young, dynamic, metropolitan customers. The second version – available in Cross and Cross Plus trim levels and boasting a more off-road look and technology – is the ideal solution for those who love leisure and the outdoors, but don’t want to compromise on the unique style of the Fiat 500.

The new Fiat 500X crossover will be available from 2015.

The model in brief

Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the new 500X represents a new dimension of the unmistakable 500 in which iconic style and the modern crossover concept collide, with the addition of the respectable off-road capability of a version that's perfect for outdoor pursuits.

Style and dimensions

The unequivocal expression of "Made in Fiat" design, the 500X offers flexibility, rationality and quality, all firmly embedded in its compact dimensions, in its ample interior space and the choice of premium materials and fabrics, as well as the most sophisticated technology at the service of safety, comfort and on-board wellbeing. The Fiat 500X is a casual, fun vehicle you can "wear" every day, an original piece of clothing featuring soft shapes for maximum freedom of movement, sure to reflect the personality of its driver thanks to the host of customisation options available.

The solid, robust appearance of the car finds its perfect stylistic counterpart in the harmonious lines, which emerge in dimensions ideal for customers looking for the comfort, space and equipment typical of a compact saloon. At the same time, the new 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 leisure version), 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres in height (or 1.61 and 1.62 metres respectively with roof bars or four-wheel drive).

Compact outside, welcoming inside: a spacious, protective environment with extensive use of high quality materials and finishes, and a host of practical storage compartments. A comfortable passenger compartment which is unmistakably Made in Italy, and available in no fewer than seven interior configurations, comprising a selection of different fabrics, leather, finishes and colours. Optimum functionality is ensured by the seat adjustment options and the spacious luggage compartment (350 litres).

Finally, the customer can chose from 12 different liveries to emphasise the Fiat 500X's sensual form, further enhanced by a choice of eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Engine versions

Depending on the EMEA market, the 500X is available with various combinations of engine, gearbox and transmission to meet all usage requirements, every one offering both respect for the environment and maximum efficiency in terms of performance, consumption and emissions.

Available at launch will be the 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir2 (front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox), the 110 HP 1.6 “E-torQ” (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), the 120 HP 1.6 MultiJet II (front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox) and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (9-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive).

The range will then be topped off with the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir2 (9-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive), and the powerful 187 HP 2.4 litre Tigershark MultiAir2 (9-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive) petrol engines.

The 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II engine will also be available with front-wheel drive and 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. In particular, the innovative automatic and sequential dual clutch transmission ensures greater driving comfort and a sportier feeling, in terms of gear shift speed, offering increased efficiency and optimised consumption.  Conceptually, it consists of two transmissions in parallel that permit extraordinarily rapid gear changes, releasing one clutch and engaging the other simultaneously.

The following turbodiesel power units will also be available: the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (6-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive).

Nine-speed automatic transmission

The 500X crossover is the first Fiat car to offer nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, available 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 pick-up capacity and smooth delivery of power. Electronically controlled, the new nine-speed automatic transmission features specific mapping, with the option to switch 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 reduces energy wasted through drag when four-wheel drive operation is not required, thus ensuring more efficient fuel consumption. The only vehicle in its segment to offer this feature, with the exception of the Jeep Renegade, the 500X's rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for accurate torque management with no need for input from the driver.

Mood Selector and Traction Plus

The new 500X features the "Mood Selector" drive selection system, which acts on the engine, brakes, steering and gearbox (in the case of automatic transmission), permitting three different vehicle 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 (for maximum safety even in poor grip conditions).

On leisure trim levels, All Weather mode is replaced by the “Traction” function, which, on the four-wheel drive version, speeds up the transmission of torque to the rear axle. On front-wheel drive versions, the function activates the “Traction Plus” control system, which improves grip on tough, slippery terrain, for more economical, eco-friendly operation compared to conventional four-wheel drive, increasing efficiency during moderate, everyday off-road use.

Handling and safety

Equipped with MacPherson suspension at the rear on all versions, the Fiat 500X ensures the perfect balance of handling and comfort. What’s more, for guaranteed occupant protection, the new Fiat crossover combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety content to ensure excellent performance.

A host of content is available as standard throughout the range, such as six airbags (front, window bags and side bags), front headlights with the Daytime Running Lights function and cornering fog lights, as well as the ESC system (Electronic Stability Control). In addition, depending on the version and the market, the advanced Lane Assist lane departure warning system and Blind Spot Assist, a lane change assistance system to get around blind spots, are available as standard or upon request. What’s more, on request, your 500X can be fitted with the new ParkView rear reversing camera and the "Brake Control" assisted braking system.

Uconnect™ infotainment systems

In terms of comfort and convenience, the Fiat 500X offers category-topping content, thanks to the sophisticated Uconnect™ systems with 5 or 6.5 inch touchscreens which provide access to radio, media, telephone and Uconnect™ LIVE services. Both versions come complete with Bluetooth interface, Aux-in connector, USB port and voice commands. Additionally, the Uconnect Radio Nav 5’’ device offers TomTom 2.5D navigation, while the 6.5" Uconnect Radio Nav features satellite navigation with 3D maps, progressive route guidance and ‘One Shot Voice Destination Entry’ to enter addresses using 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 using Bluetooth audio streaming. All of this can be managed directly using the steering wheel controls, so there's no need to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

The new Uconnect Live system also allows customers – through integration with their smartphones – to use many apps via the on-board system They can keep in touch with their friends on Facebook and Twitter, listen to millions of music tracks on Deezer and over 100,000 internet radio stations with TuneIn, get real-time news updates from Reuters and receive information on traffic, speed cameras and the weather forecast thanks to TomTom Live services.

Finally, the Fiat 500X offers eco:Drive™, which permits a saving of up to 16% on fuel costs and reduces CO2 emissions, as well as the my:Car™ service, which features an interactive user manual to help with maintenance and deal with emergencies.

For audio, the exclusive Hi-Fi Beats Audio system is available on request – developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr. Dre and launched for the first time on the 500L model – for a revolutionary music experience on-board the new Fiat 500X.

Range (EMEA)

2 versions are available at launch (one more “urban” and the other ideal for leisure use), 5 trim levels (Pop, Popstar, Lounge, Cross and Cross Plus), 4 engine options (140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II, 110 HP 1.6 “E-torQ”, 120 HP 1.6 MultiJet II and 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II), 3 drive systems (front, front with “Traction Plus” system and four-wheel drive), 3 gearboxes (five-speed manual, six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic), 12 body colours, 8 different alloy wheel designs (16”, 17 “ and 18”) and 7 different interior configurations.

Depending on the market in question, the Fiat 500X range features some differences in content (standard or optional) in order to best meet the needs of the individual countries.