The Fiat 500X has emerged into the limelight at the 2014 Paris motor show. Based on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade, the 500X will take a slightly less hardcore approach to burgeoning compact crossover segment, which we understand to mean it will be priced closer to the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur than the Mini Countryman and Skoda Yeti.
You can make your own mind up about the looks – and indeed the very concept of Fiat turning the 500 into an off-roader – but if the Renegade is anything to go by it should be reasonably decent to drive, and perhaps even genuinely capable off-road. After all, Fiat has previously proven keen to take on the wilderness with 4×4 versions of the Panda. The 500X Cross variant caters to those particularly keen on the outdoors.
Fiat 500X: engine range, Drive Mood Selector
Most versions of the Fiat 500X will be front-wheel drive. Petrol engines include an entry-level 108bhp 1.6-litre with five-speed manual, plus 138bhp 1.4-litre turbo with six-speed manual. There’s also a 168bhp 1.4-litre turbo with four-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic.
Diesel choices range from 94bhp 1.3-litre with five-speed to 118bhp and 135bhp 2.0-litre six-speed models. The latter is also available with the four-wheel drive and nine-speed auto combo – but neither 4×4 variant gets the low-range rock crawling mode of the Renegade Trail Hawk.
There is, however, a ‘Drive Mood Selector’.
No, really – there is. This gives the driver Auto, Sport and All Weather settings. On 500X Cross, available with front- or four-wheel drive and denoted by chunky body-cladding, All Weather is replaced by Traction, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Or, indeed, fascia.
Fiat 500X: pricing and on sale date
As with every version of the 500, the 500X will offer numerous personalisation options. The car is 4.25m long (4.27m for the Cross), 1.8m wide, 1.61m tall and the boot is 350 litres big. You can also have a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, if you like the sound of that.
The Fiat 500X is expected in the UK early in quarter two of 2015 – which should mean around about April. There’s no pricing yet, but judging by the targeted opposition you should be able to buy one from around £15,000.