Designed in Turin, Italy and manufactured in Melfi, the 2016 Fiat 500X is expected to arrive in North American dealerships in the first half of 2015. As a global vehicle, it will go on sale in more than 100 countries worldwide.
“The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the Fiat brand in North America,” says Jason Stoicevich, head of Fiat Brand North America at Chrysler Group. The small crossover continues to build upon the automaker’s North American presence, following the recent introductions of the Fiat 500 Abarth, Abarth Cabrio, 500e, and 500L.
In the U.S., the Fiat 500X comes with a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, producing an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Customers can also opt for the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.
A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. Drivers can choose from three modes — Auto, Sport, and Traction + — for the most suitable vehicle configuration for different driving conditions.
“The all-new 500X delivers the Italian design and personality that we are known for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology,” Stoicevich says. “In addition, it will be the first vehicle in our portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.”
The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including forward collision and lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross path detection. The vehicle also features keyless entry and Bluetooth streaming audio.
Designers of the new 500X leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package, Stoicevich says. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face, and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento.
