As the name suggests this is Fiat delving into burgeoning the mid-size cross-over segment and according to the press release, “…is a casual, fun vehicle you can "wear" every day, an original piece of clothing featuring soft shapes for maximum freedom of movement…”
We’re not sure about it being a piece of clothing and as usual we’ll take the official speak with pinch of salt.
Considering the original new 500s puny dimensions the new 500X has grown significantly and measures 4.25 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres high. The fairly spacious interior is said to feature extensive use of high quality materials and finishes, and a host of practical storage compartments. Inside there seven interior configurations, comprising a selection of different fabrics, leathers, finishes and colours. Boot space is pegged at 350 litres.
Available at launch in ocerseas markets petrol engines will compromise a 100kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir2 (front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox), the 82kW 1.6 "E-torQ" (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), the 90kW 1.6 MultiJet II (front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox) and the 100kW 2.0 MultiJet II (9-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive).
The range will then be topped off with the 120kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir2 (9-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive), and the powerful 140kW 2.4 litre Tigershark MultiAir2 (9-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive) petrol engines.
Turbodiesel fans are catered for with the 70kW 1.3 MultiJet II (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), and the 100kW 2.0 MultiJet II (6-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive).
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 – which happens to be based on the identical underpinnings – 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.
