Images of the new Fiat 500X crossover have leaked out during the filming of a commercial in and around the area of Pitigliano and San Quirico d'Orcia in Tuscany, Italy. They show a car much sleeker than the Fiat 500L MPV and Jeep Renegade, a car it shares production facilities with at Fiat's Melfi factory in Italy.
The Fiat 500X crossover is much larger than the 500 hatchback (approximately 165 inches compared to 139 inches) and uses the chassis of the 5 door Fiat 500L MPV and Jeep Renegade. The all-wheel-drive capable chassis is a widened version of the current one used in Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo models. In Europe, the Fiat 500X will be available in two-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants. It is not known if the North American 500X will also be available in both configurations.
Rumors are that the 500X will use a variety of engines in Europe, including the .9L TwinAir, 1.4L MultiAir and 1.6L MultiJet Diesel. In the US, the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo used in the 500L is a sure bet. Transmission wise, figure the C635 manual gearbox and the strong possibility the new nine-speed automatic from the Renegade will be available.
The Fiat 500X replaces the Fiat Sedici crossover that Fiat sells in Europe. The Fiat Sedici is a joint venture with Suzuki and will be recognized in the US as the Suzuki SX4.
The 500X wheelbase is expected to be 101.2 inches or 1.6 inches shorter than the 500L (102.8 inches) and a few inches longer than the Sedici (SX4).
The Fiat 500X front wheel arches bulge out giving the car a substantial look. Compared to the Jeep Renegade, the 500X is more urban sophisticate and less off road rumbler.
The 500X will debut at the Paris Auto Show, October 2. European deliveries follow during the fourth quarter. For the North America market, look for the 500X to debut at the LA Auto Show in November with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2015.
Images used with permission.
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