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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Fiat 500X Uconnect System Overview

Fiat 500X Dashboard and Infotainment

The 2016 Fiat 500X offers a wide range of communication, entertainment and navigation features, many of which were once only found in premium vehicles. The 500X now brings these features to the small crossover segment. Chrysler's award-winning Uconnect combines these features into one easy to use system. Here is an overview of the various Uconnect systems available in the Fiat 500X, and a description of some of the technology owners can enjoy.*

Fiat 500X Uconnect 3.0 Radio


Uconnect 3.0 Radio: (Std. on 500X Pop)
•AM/FM Radio
•Steering Wheel Audio Controls
•USB, Aux Media Hub
•4 Speakers

Fiat 500X Uconnect 5.0 Radio

Uconnect 5.0 Radio: (Std. on 500X Easy/Trekking)
5.0” Full Color Touchscreen Display
•AM/FM
•USB, Aux Media
•6 Speakers
•SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/ 1-Yr Radio Subscription
•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth which includes:
  • Hands Free Calling
  • Voice Prompts
  • Voice Commands for Radio Functions
  • Bluetooth Streaming Audio
  • Short Message Service (SMS) text to speech technology

•Steering Wheel Audio Controls
•Via Mobile connectivity

Fiat 500X Uconnect 6.5 Radio

Uconnect 6.5 Radio: (Std. on 500X Lounge/Trekking Plus)
6.5” Full Color Touchscreen Display
•AM/FM/High Defintion
•USB, Aux Media
•8 Speakers
•SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/ 1-Yr Radio Subscription
•SiriusXM Travel Link(TM) / 5-Year Subscription
•SiriusXM Traffic(TM) / 5-Year Traffic Service
•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth which includes:

  • Hands Free Calling
  • Voice Prompts
  • Voice Commands for Radio Functions
  • Bluetooth Streaming Audio
  • Short Message Service (SMS) text to speech technology and Voice Text reply with 20 canned messages available

•GPS Navigation with 3D landmarks/terrain maps and one shot voice destination entry
•Steering Wheel Controls
•Dead Reckoning
•Via Mobile connectivity
•Pandora
•iHeartRadio
•Slacker Radio
•Available with optional BEATS Premium Audio System with 8 speakers plus 6.5-inch subwoofer and 8-channel amplifier

SiriusXM Traffic: Works with the vehicle’s navigation system to display traffic speed and flow information, along with accident information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas.

SiriusXM Travel Link: Real-time local fuel prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie locations and times all featured in this subscription-based system provided by SiriusXM Radio

Uconnect Voice Command: An in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

When the Bluetooth phone is initially connected, the contact list is automatically downloaded, synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. It also allows drivers to switch radio modes, tune to AM/FM and SiriusXM Radio stations and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands. The handsfree option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.

Via Mobile: Makes it easy to enjoy your favorite apps listed below and stay focused on driving. It uses your smartphone's data plan to access Uconnect® System-enabled apps, which allows control through your touchscreen or steering wheel audio controls.
- Pandora
- iHeartRadio
- Slacker Radio



Fiat 500X US Production Beginning, Reserve Yours Today

Fiat 500X Detailed Images
Fiat 500X Safety Features
Fiat 500X Full Features and Options
Fiat 500X Overview Video

Fiat 500X Design Explained
Fiat 500X Photo Album
2016 Fiat 500X Full Specifications
2016 Fiat 500X Engineering

2016 Fiat 500X Overview and Design
Mopar Gears Up With Fiat 500X Accessories
Poll: Fiat 500X Trekking or Street?
Fiat 500X Marketing Discussed
Fiat 500X Driving Videos



*Preliminary information. Consult your dealer for up to date information.

Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Fiat 500X: Key Attributes

2016 Fiat 500X Lounge

The Fiat 500X will begin arriving at Fiat Studios very shortly, possibly even this week. While we are waiting, here is a look at some of the key attributes the sophisticated Italian crossover brings to the market.

Advanced Drive Systems
•Dynamic Selector™ traction control system with 3 customized modes for optimal driving performance – Auto, Sport, Traction+
  • Auto: The basic mode calibrated for everyday driving and designed to ensure optimal fuel efficiency, low emissions and driving comfort. This is achieved with a smoother engine calibration, higher servo assistance on steering and a shift point optimized for low carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Sport: The engine calibration converts for a sportier feel and is tuned for a faster driving response through electronic stability control and steering calibrations. With all-wheel drive, this mode optimizes the transmission for lateral dynamics.
  • Traction +: A specifically calibrated mode maximizes low-speed traction with low friction and off-road surfaces by providing additional wheel slip through specially tuned chassis controls and a more direct engine response.

•9-speed automatic transmission
•Rear-axle disconnect resulting in reduced parasitic loss when AWD capability isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency.
•160 HP-1.4L Turbo MultiAir I mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (FWD)
•180 HP-2.4L “Tigershark” MultiAir 2 mated to a 9-speed automatic (FWD and AWD)

Fiat 500X Uconnect


Uconnect™ Systems and Services
Easy to use Uconnect™ features, including:
•Uconnect 5.0 Radio with 5’’ color touchscreen, hands-free via Bluetooth, Voice Command, SiriusXM Radio, Uconnect Access VIA Mobile, USB Port/ AUX Port for Media Management, and Bluetooth audio streaming
•Uconnect 6.5 Radio Nav with 6.5’’ high resolution color touchscreen, hands-free via Bluetooth, Voice Command, SiriusXM Radio, Uconnect Access VIA Mobile, SiriusXM Travel Link, SiriusXM Traffic, USB & AUX Port for Media Management, Bluetooth audio streaming, HD Radio, State-Of-The-Art Navigation with 3D Navigation with One Step Voice Destination Entry, and Dead Reckoning
•Standard monochrome and available color 3.5-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistive) LCD display Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
•Available BEATS Premium Audio System with 8 speakers plus 6.5-inch subwoofer and 8-channel amplifier

Fiat 500X Dashboard


Full Array of Comfort/Convenience Technologies
•Space-saving Electric park brake
•Cap-less fuel fill
•Tire pressure monitoring system with tire-specific display
•Available Passive entry / Keyless Enter'n Go with Remote Start
•Available heated front seats and steering wheel
•Available 8-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar
•Heated mirrors with turn signals
•1-touch Auto Up/Down Power Windows & Auto Down (rear)
•Available dual zone automatic temperature control system
•Available ambient lighting
•Available Rain-sensing wipers


Fiat 500X Interior


Capability / Utility / Versatility
•Rear cargo height adjustable rear cargo floor
•Fold-forward front passenger seat
•Second row 60/40 split folding rear seat
•Front compartment storage including dual glove box with locking lower, center console, Instrument Panel bin at base of center stack, and door map pockets with cup holders

Fiat 500X Headlight


Engineered and Executed for Safety
•Standard seven airbag occupant protection system
• Available LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus (See feature description below)
•Available Forward Collision Warning-Plus technology, including ready Alert Braking (See feature description below)
•Available Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection (See feature description below)
•Available ParkSense rear park assist and ParkView rear camera with active grid lines (See feature description below)
•Projector Headlamps with available Auto Headlamps and Auto High Beam

Fiat 500X Trekking Plus


Superior Ride and Handling
•Tuned Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for enhanced handling and fuel efficiency
•MacPherson Front Independent strut suspension - lightweight, optimally sized components for nimble dynamics and quiet performance paired with Rear Independent Multi-Link Chapman Suspension
•Three-point powertrain mounting system with hydro-mounts ensure refined feedback to the driver while mitigating noise or vibration
•Outstanding torsional stiffness in body structure for enhanced chassis tuning
•European handling and high speed stability characteristics
•Exceptionally quiet cabin enabled by 70% advanced, hot-stamped/high strength steel for structural stiffness and NVH applications

European Fiat 500X Cross


Authentic Design with World-Class Craftsmanship
•Sophisticated and elegant Italian design
•First small-size CUV conceptualized, developed and built by FIAT for the North American Market
•Rounded, “500-like” shapes with sophisticated surfacing throughout
•Available Dual Pane glass sunroof system
•Available in 12 Exterior colors
•Chrome (Street) and Satin Chrome (Trekking) accents including Exhaust Tip, Lamp Trim & Door Handles
•Wheel sizes ranging from 16 – to 18-inches

===== Feature Descriptions =======

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM):
Uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror. Turn signal activated engages illuminated icon and three audio chimes.

Forward Collision Warning-Plus:
Utilizes radar and video sensors to detect whether the 500X is approaching another vehicle or large obstacle in its path too rapidly, and warns or assists the driver in avoiding/mitigating the incident.

LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus:
Leverages electronic power steering (EPS) to deliver a torque input to alert and assist the driver with corrective action.

ParkSense rear park assist system:
The system utilizes ultrasonic sensors at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects.


Fiat 500X US Production Beginning, Reserve Yours Today

Fiat 500X Detailed Images
Fiat 500X Safety Features
Fiat 500X Full Features and Options
Fiat 500X Overview Video

Fiat 500X Design Explained
Fiat 500X Photo Album
2016 Fiat 500X Full Specifications
2016 Fiat 500X Engineering

2016 Fiat 500X Overview and Design
Mopar Gears Up With Fiat 500X Accessories
Poll: Fiat 500X Trekking or Street?
Fiat 500X Marketing Discussed
Fiat 500X Driving Videos




Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Saturday, May 23, 2015

New Fiat Aegea Compact Premiers

Fiat Aegea


Fiat unveiled its new compact car at the Istanbul Motor Show this week. Codenamed the Aegea, the new car range will take the place of the discontinued Fiat Bravo and the ready for replacement Fiat Linea. The name Aegea is actually the name of the project range which besides the sedan shown, will eventually consist of a hatchback and a station wagon.

Fiat Aegea Front


Styled in Italy, the Aegea was co-developed with the company Tofaş R&D, Fiat's partner in Turkey for nearly half a century. Turkey is a major market for Fiat and the company has a large manufacturing facility located in the city of Bursa. Aegea refers to the Aegean sea that lies between Turkey and Greece and was chosen to honor the relationship between Fiat and Tofaş. According to Fiat, the name expresses a symbolic bridge between East and West.

Fiat Aegea Rear Quarter


The Fiat Aegea model lineup represents a $1 billion investment for Fiat and will give the company a badly needed entry into the compact car segment, the second largest in Europe after the subcompact segment. Fiat has been out of this market since it discontinued the Bravo last year and currently only sells the Linea in Turkey and a few developing countries. The Linea dates back to 2007 so the Aegea will be a welcome update.

Fiat Linea
The Fiat Linea sedan dates back to 2007 and is currently Fiat's only compact offering. It is mainly sold in Turkey and a handful of other countries. The new Fiat Aegea will be a major step forward over the older, outdated model.

Fiat Bravo
The hatchback Fiat Bravo was a best seller, but Fiat let it die out last year while it conserved resources to weather the economic downturn in Europe over the past few years. Now with the Aegea, Fiat will re-enter the compact market with a viable and modern competitive vehicle. The first Aegea model will be a sedan design with a five-door hatchback to follow next year. Sedans are popular in Eastern Europe and Turkey while hatchbacks are preferred in Western Europe.


The hallmarks of the Aegea will be style, function, and excellent space utilization. Built on the Fiat's Small Wide Chassis Platform, the Aegea is approximately 177 inches long - about the same length as the Linea but 7 or so inches longer than the Bravo. The width of the Aegea at 70 inches is about the same as both cars while the 58 inch height is about an inch lower. The 103.97-inch wheelbase is nearly 1.5 inches longer than the two older cars and gives a hint at the increased passenger room.


Fiat Aegea Dashboard


Connectivity will be a strong suite and the Aegea will offer an available Uconnect system equipped with a 5" color touch screen. The system features hands-free Bluetooth, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX and USB ports with iPod integration, and steering wheel controls. A rear parking camera and TomTom sat nav will also be available.

Fiat Aegea Front Seats


The Aegea will offer two Multijet II turbodiesel engines along with two gasoline ones. Power ratings range from 95 and 120 HP and there will be manual or automatic transmissions available. The cars should be economical and Fiat boasts that the Aegea with a diesel engine can use less than 4 liters  of fuel for 100 km (better than 59 mpg) which is comparable to that of a Fiat Panda city car.



The Tofas factory that produces the Aegea is one of the top automotive facilities in the world and has been awarded a Gold Medal in Fiat's World Class Manufacturing benchmark program. Besides producing various Fiat models like the Linea and the Ram ProMaster City van, the factory also manufactures cars for Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Vauxhall,


Sales of the Fiat Aegea will start in November in Turkey and will eventually spread throughout 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Fiat 500X Touring Melfi Video

Fiat 500X in Melfi, Italy


A look at the Fiat 500X as it tours the Italian countryside near its home town in Melfi, Italy. Located in the Vulture area of the province of Potenza, the town of Melfi is in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. Take a few moments and see where the 500X was born and the architecture of the country that influences its design.



Provincia of Potenza.

Map image public domain

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Fiat 500X Fuel Economy Ratings Announced!

2016 Fiat 500X


The Fiat 500X fuel economy ratings have just been published by the EPA today. The sporty 500X with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox and 1.4 L MultiAir Turbo is rated at 34 MPG highway, 25 MPG city for a combined total of 28 MPG! The 500X equipped with the 2.4 L MultiAir II engine and 9-speed automatic achieves 31 MPG highway, 21 MPG city for a combined total of 25 MPG. Note, these ratings are for the 2WD 500X. Ratings for the AWD Fiat 500X are still pending final EPA approval according to a Fiat spokesperson.

Fiat 500X Trekking Plus


If we speculate, it can be assumed that the AWD 500X will only be off 1 or 2 MPG compared to the 2WD 500X due to the innovative AWD system used that includes a disconnecting rear axle that minimizes friction and inertia losses in the powertrain. We can justify this assumption by looking at the Jeep Renegade. When equipped with the same 2.4L / 9-speed powertrain combination as the 500X, the AWD Renegade achieves 29 MPG highway, 21 MPG city for a combined 24 MPG total compared to the 2WD version that gets 31 MPG highway, 22 MPG city and 25 MPG combined.

Additional information for our comparison is the Fiat 500X weighs 3,278 lbs, or just 34 lbs lighter than the Jeep Renegade when equipped with the same powertrain. The 500X is also slightly more aerodynamic than the Renegade with a Drag Coefficient (Cd) of 0.350 compared to 0.360.

2016 Fiat 500X Lounge


Looking at the Fiat 500L equipped with the same 1.4 L engine and 6-speed manual used in the 500X, we see the 500L achieves nearly the identical fuel economy - 33 MPG highway, 25 MPG city and a combined total of 28 MPG. The Fiat 500L weighs 236 lbs more than the 500X when equipped with the same powertrain (3,203 lbs compared to 2,967 lbs for the 500X) and is slightly more aerodynamic (a Cd of 0.310 compared to 0.350 for the 500X).

The Jeep Renegade with the same 1.4 L MutiAir and 6-speed manual transmission used in both Fiat models recorded 24 MPG city, 31 MPG highway for a combined rating of 27 MPG.


Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Fiat 500X USA Owners Manual

Fiat 500X Rendering byTosetti

Waiting for your Fiat 500X to arrive and need something to pass the time? Here are the 2016 Fiat 500X owners manual, and Quick Users Guide for your enjoyment! Everything you need to get up to speed on the Fiat 500X is here. Learn how to operate all the numerous features the 500X has while you wait for the cars to arrive at Fiat Studios later this month. The Fiat 500X owners manual is 610 pages, so you have your work cut out for you!



Just need some light reading? Well, here is the 204 page Fiat 500X Quick Users Guide. It contains what you need to know to quickly jump in and start enjoying your new 500X!



Check with the following dealers to reserve your 500X now.

Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg, Maryland - 1-888-878-2488
FIAT of Austin, Texas - 1-877-908-3428
Palmen FIAT of Kenosha, Wisconsin - 1-888-379-0295
Benson FIAT, South Carolina - 1-888-380-1716
FIAT of Larchmont, New York - 1-888-405-2249







Friday, May 1, 2015

Fiat 500 Sales for April 2015

2016 Fiat 500X Trekking Plus

Overall Fiat brand sales for April 2015 were down 13 percent compared to the same month last year. So far this year Fiat sales have been running just under last year's record pace. Fiat had its best year ever in 2014, selling some 46,121 cars in the United States. With the new 2016 Fiat 500X crossover coming to dealer showrooms later this month, Fiat sales for 2015 could very well set another record.

2015 Outlook

The bright news is sales of the Fiat 500L have been creeping up and are running ahead of last year. The 2015 Fiat 500L features a number of enhancements that should help sales of this roomy, versatile car. Currently, these new models have been in short supply on dealer's lots as they cleared out the 2014 model year cars. We'll see how the updated 2015 500L performs as more cars show up at Fiat Studios in the coming months.

Fiat 500 1957 Edition Cabrio


Dealers are now taking orders on the recently announced Fiat 500 1957 Edition Cabrio. This special edition Cabrio model will arrive shortly, just in time for the convertible season and has the makings of a hit. Pricing of the well equipped Fiat 500 1957 Edition Cabrio starts at $24,700.

Fiat Studios have also begun taking order for the new 500X crossover, which is a promising start. The new 500X will bring Italian style and design sophistication for a truly unique experience in the small crossover segment.

The year looks to end on a high note with Fiat 124 Spider waiting in the wings for a possible introduction at the LA Auto Show in November. All in all, 2015 should be an exciting year for Fiat fans.

April Fiat News

Fiat 500L Vans Concept Car

The last Auto Show of the season was held in New York, and the Fiat display highlighted the 500L and upcoming 500X models. Special edition 500L MPVS were on hand.


Alfa Romeo 4C Cabrio and TZ2

Alfa Romeo had a spectacular show stand at the New York Auto Show in April. Besides the modern classic Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe and Spider, the display featured several legendary Alfa Romeo models with a total value of upwards of $20 million dollars.


Fiat 500X Trekking Plus

The biggest news in April was the press' introduction to the Fiat 500X crossover. Fiat gathered media personnel from all around North America to sample the 500X, and positive reviews are being posted. The high style 500X has a big personality and offers something different to those in the market for a small crossover. Its sophisticated European feel and Italian design separates the 500X from its competition and makes it stand out.




Fiat 500 Sales in the United States, January - April 2015
Fiat 500Current MonthLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTD TotalLast Year YTD TotalVol Change
April 2015
500
500L

     2,498
     1,258
    3,756

  3,041
   1,257
  4,298

    -18%
    0%
     -13%

     10,493
     4,301
     14,794

         11,514
           4,209
         15,723

    -9%
    2%
     -6%
March 2015
500
500L

     3,276
     1,218
    4,494

  3,316
    1422
  4,738

    -1%
    -14%
     -5%

     7,995
     3,043
     11,038

         8,473
           2,952
         11,425

    -6%
    3%
     -3%
Feb 2015
500
500L

     2,333
     956
    3,289

  2,664
    801
  3,465

   -12%
    19%
     -5%

     4,719
     1,825
     6,544

         5,157
           1,530
         6,687

    -8%
    19%
     -2%
Jan 2015
500
500L

     2,386
     869
    3,255

  2,493
    729
  3,222

   -4%
    19%
     1%

     2,386
     869
     3,255

         2,493
            729
         3,222

    -4%
    19%
     1%