An evolution of the 500 family

THE Fiat 500X débuted at the Paris Motor Show recently.

This new compact crossover in the 500 family marks the evolution of a new era for this model range. The substance of the car is that it is comfortable and combined with high-performance power.

A successor to the Fiat 500 of 1957, one can clearly see the stylistic reference of the rounded lights and the classic logo with chrome-plated bonnet trim. The new Fiat crossover extends the 500 family, comprising of the 500, 500C, 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models.

The new Fiat 500X will be available in two different versions, the 500X and 500X Cross. They will be equipped with diesel and petrol engines, three types of transmissions namely a manual, a nine-speed automatic or twin-clutch six-speed automatic. Further, customers can choose between front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive with Traction Plus configurations.

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 Cross version.

The comfortable passenger compartment offers 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 of 350 litres.

Further can customers choose from 12 different liveries that emphasise the sensual form of the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the eight different designs for the 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Petrol engines:

• 81kW 1.6 “E-torQ” with five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.

• 103kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual gearbox or twin-clutch six-speed automatic.

• 125kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

• 136kW Tigershark 2.4 with nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

Turbodiesels engines:

• 70kW 1.3 MultiJet II with five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.

• 88kW 1.6 MultiJet II with six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.

• 103kW 2.0 MultiJet II with six-speed manual and front-wheel drive or nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

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.

The new 500X offers the “Drive Mood Selector”, which acts on engine, brakes, steering and gearbox or 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.

• All weather for maximum safety even in low grip conditions.

On the Fiat 500X Cross versions, 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 500X Cross 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 has lower emissions than a conventional four-wheel drive, proving more efficient in light, everyday off-road use.

As standard on the entire range is:

• Six airbags for front, windows and sides.

• Front headlights with daytime running light function.

• Fog lights with self-adaptive cornering function ESC (Electronic Stability Control).

• Lane Assist Blind Spot Assist.

On request, it is also possible to equip your 500X with the new ParkView rear camera for reversing and the Brake Control system.

In terms of comfort and infotainment equipment, the Fiat 500X has the following to offer:

• Uconnect systems with five or 6.5 inch touchscreens.

• Bluetooth interface.

• Aux-in connector.

• USB port.

• Voice commands.

• Uconnect Radio Five inch with TomTom 2.5D navigation.

• Uconnect Radio 6.5 inch with satellite navigation and 3D maps.

• Progressive route guidance.

• One Shot Voice Destination Entry (to enter addresses with voice commands).

The new Fiat 500X will debut in the South African market during the second half of 2015.

Models, engine derivatives and options will be announced closer to the launch dates.