MultiAir III is the name of the 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo that Fiat Chrysler has developed for the Renegade and 500X, and as you would expect, the Fiat comes standard with this engine for the 2019 model year. Scheduled to premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Italian crossover also boasts nine speeds for the standard automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with a disconnecting rear axle.
The MultiAir III features valve-actuation technology and engine stop/start to improve efficiency, but better still, the engine has “best-in-class torque” according to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. From a displacement of 1,332 cubic centimeters, the Italians managed to pump out 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet, which is impressive by any measure.
“The new 2019 Fiat 500X also features standard all-wheel-drive capability tailored to handle multiple climates and road conditions,” declared Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands at Dodge, SRT, Chrysler, and Fiat in North America.
On the downside, Fiat wants $25,785 for the entry-level Pop trim that includes Electronic Roll Mitigation, hill-start assist, Dynamic Selector System, 17-inch aluminum wheels, projector headlights and LED daytime running lamps, as well as power and heated mirrors with integrated turn signals. The 7.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included.
At $27,290, the Trekking adds rugged detailing and deep-tint sunscreen glass, plus cornering fog lamps and automatic headlights. The interior comes with quilted cloth seats and leatherette inserts, 3.5-liter TFT cluster for vehicle information and settings, and a 12-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Radio. The Trekking Plus adds even more content for $30,490, including dual-zone automatic temperature control and ParkSense Assist for the front and rear of the vehicle.
Will these changes be enough for Fiat to bouce back to form in the United States? We’re not holding our breath in this regard, not when U.S. dealers struggled to move 308 examples of the breed in October 2018 compared to the 2,178 sold in October 2015.
“The new 2019 Fiat 500X also features standard all-wheel-drive capability tailored to handle multiple climates and road conditions,” declared Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands at Dodge, SRT, Chrysler, and Fiat in North America.
On the downside, Fiat wants $25,785 for the entry-level Pop trim that includes Electronic Roll Mitigation, hill-start assist, Dynamic Selector System, 17-inch aluminum wheels, projector headlights and LED daytime running lamps, as well as power and heated mirrors with integrated turn signals. The 7.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included.
At $27,290, the Trekking adds rugged detailing and deep-tint sunscreen glass, plus cornering fog lamps and automatic headlights. The interior comes with quilted cloth seats and leatherette inserts, 3.5-liter TFT cluster for vehicle information and settings, and a 12-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Radio. The Trekking Plus adds even more content for $30,490, including dual-zone automatic temperature control and ParkSense Assist for the front and rear of the vehicle.
Will these changes be enough for Fiat to bouce back to form in the United States? We’re not holding our breath in this regard, not when U.S. dealers struggled to move 308 examples of the breed in October 2018 compared to the 2,178 sold in October 2015.