Photo: Fiat via Quattroporte Forums
First there was the new-gen 500, launched in 2007, then came the 500L family-friendly MPV, that didn't live up to the company's or public's expectations, and now we've got the 500X. It's the Italian cousin of the Jeep Renegade, but with a bit more Latin panache.
With Fiat still keeping its lips tightly shut about the specifics, we can only presume that the mini SUV will be available with two-wheel drive in standard and four-wheel drive offered as an optional extra, just like its brother from the other side of the pond. Announced in July 2012 and expected to arrive at the Paris Motor Show this October in production-ready clothes, the 500X is a make-or-break bet for the Italian carmaker and the 500 lineup that's been affected by slow sales of the 500L derivate.
The Euro-specification Jeep Renegade's engine lineup consists of various four-cylinder mills, ranging from an entry-level 1.6-liter E.torQ petrol with 110 PS on tap all the way to the 184 hp 2.4-liter Tigershark. A couple of diesels are offered as well and we think that Europeans will buy them more than the petrol-fed engine options. Much of these engines will be found on the 500X too, with transmission options starting with either a five or six-speed manual, continuing with a dual dry clutch auto and a nine-speed auto.
Unlike the 500L, designers were more careful with the 500X and the rugged B-segment crossover is laden with styling cues lifted from the Cinquecento city car. We especially like the tapered design of the headlights and the butch look of the chin. It looks tough and ready for some soft off-road duties from the profile as well. As for the rear, the D-pillars are raked at an angle that makes the lil' crossover look mean, while tail lights appear to sport a rectangular design to stand out from the crowd in city traffic.
Only time will tell if the 500X will sell as well as the 500 or better than the 500L at least, but one thing is certain: both the chassis and aesthetics are way better than the discontinued Fiat Sedici thingy. In terms of competition, the Fiat 500X will go against the likes of the Nissan Juke, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Renault Captur, among other models. In the U.S. the Fiat 500X is expected to arrive next year.
The Euro-specification Jeep Renegade's engine lineup consists of various four-cylinder mills, ranging from an entry-level 1.6-liter E.torQ petrol with 110 PS on tap all the way to the 184 hp 2.4-liter Tigershark. A couple of diesels are offered as well and we think that Europeans will buy them more than the petrol-fed engine options. Much of these engines will be found on the 500X too, with transmission options starting with either a five or six-speed manual, continuing with a dual dry clutch auto and a nine-speed auto.
Unlike the 500L, designers were more careful with the 500X and the rugged B-segment crossover is laden with styling cues lifted from the Cinquecento city car. We especially like the tapered design of the headlights and the butch look of the chin. It looks tough and ready for some soft off-road duties from the profile as well. As for the rear, the D-pillars are raked at an angle that makes the lil' crossover look mean, while tail lights appear to sport a rectangular design to stand out from the crowd in city traffic.
Only time will tell if the 500X will sell as well as the 500 or better than the 500L at least, but one thing is certain: both the chassis and aesthetics are way better than the discontinued Fiat Sedici thingy. In terms of competition, the Fiat 500X will go against the likes of the Nissan Juke, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Renault Captur, among other models. In the U.S. the Fiat 500X is expected to arrive next year.
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