The Fiat 500X makes its début on South African soil in July with a new compact crossover in the 500 family that marks the evolution of the brand and technology through the development in its DNA.
A beauty with character, the new car explores a brand-new dimension of being 500, where a mature, elegant, all-Italian style “clothes” – like haute couture – the substance of a car that is comfortable, high-performance and always in touch with the world: that’s the X side of beauty, and that’s the soul of the Fiat 500X.
Heir to the Fiat 500 of 1957 – the stylistic reference of the rounded lights and the classic logo with chrome-plated bonnet trim is clear – the new Fiat crossover extends the 500 family, comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, and 500L Trekking models: cars which are very different in terms of vocation and character, but which have the same roots in common: the iconic Fiat 500.
Built in the updated SATA plant in Melfi (Potenza) and sold on more than 100 countries worldwide, the new Fiat 500X will be available in three different versions – 500X Pop Star, 500X Cross and 500X Cross Plus – equipped with two efficient petrol engines – 1.4l MultiAir or 1.6l E-TorQ, three types of transmission – 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic – and with front-wheel drive and the unique Traction Plus configurations.
500X “goes beyond” current customer targets
The Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in its very nature, but is also of interest to many different types of customer in terms of different sexes, ages, needs and tastes. In this sense, the “X” symbol represents a crossroads for segments that vary greatly among themselves, each inhabited by the young and the mature, lovers of beauty and connoisseurs of character. They are dynamic, with an active social life and they cultivate different passions and interests. What they have in common, however, is the desire to enjoy a satisfying driving experience and express their own personality through a distinctive style. Today they all find a clear, exhaustive answer: Fiat 500X.
Characterised by distinctive, elegant style details, the 500X is sure to win over young, dynamic and metropolitan customers. On the other hand, a decidedly more off-road look and equipment make the 500X Cross the ideal solution for lovers of leisure and outdoor activities who don’t want to give up the unique style of the Fiat 500.
Style and dimensions
Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the new 500X represents a new dimension of the unmistakable 500 where its iconic style and the modern concept of the crossover collide, with the addition of the respectable off-road capability ensured by the Cross version.
With a big personality and distinctively Italian design, the new car is characterised by flexibility, rationality and quality firmly embedded in its compact dimensions, in the ample interior space and the choice of premium materials and fabrics, as well as the most sophisticated technology in the service of safety, comfort and well-being on board.
The solid, robust appearance of the car finds its perfect stylistic counterpart in the harmonious line, which emerges in dimensions ideal for customers looking for comfort space and the equipment typical of compact saloons. At the same time, the 500X also gives a nod to those who need to tackle urban traffic every day, thanks to its modest dimensions: it’s 4.25 m long (200 mm more for the Fiat 500X Cross version), 1.8 m wide and 1.61 m in height.
Compact outside, welcoming inside: a large, protective environment with extensive use of fine materials, high-quality finishes and practical storage compartments. A comfortable passenger compartment which is unmistakably Made-in-Italy and offered in no fewer than seven interior configurations, through matching of various types of fabric, leather and colours. This is all made even more functional through the many seat adjustment possibilities and the spacious luggage compartment (245 litres).
Finally, the customer can chose from seven different exterior colours that emphasises the sensual form of the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the different designs for the 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels
Engine versions
The new Fiat 500X offers various combinations of engines and transmissions to meet all usage requirements, always with respect for nature and maximum efficiency in terms of performance, consumption and emissions.
The following petrol engines will become available: 81 kW 1.6 “E-torQ” (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), 103 kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic).
“Drive Mood Selector” and Traction Plus system
The new 500X offers the “Drive Mood Selector”, which acts on engine, brakes, steering and transmission, permitting three different car behaviors, based on the driving style most appropriate to the situation or road surface conditions: Auto (for the best in terms of comfort, consumption and CO2 emissions), Sport (for a drive that favors performance), “All Weather” (maximizes traction on low friction surfaces such as wet roads) – available on Pop Star and “Traction” (improves grip on rough and slippery terrain) – available on Cross and Cross Plus.
Handling and safety
Equipped with MacPherson suspension at the rear, the Fiat 500X ensures the right balance of handling and comfort. What’s more, to guarantee protection of occupant, the new Fiat crossover combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety content that ensures excellent performance.
As standard on the entire range is some important content, such as six airbags (front, window bags and side bags), front headlights with daytime running light function and fog lights with self-adaptive cornering function, in addition to the sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control). In addition, depending on the version and market, the advanced Lane Assist (lane departure warning system) and Blind Spot Assist (lane change assistance system to get around blind spots) devices are available as standard or on request. On request, it is also possible to equip your 500X with the new ParkView rear camera for reversing.
Infotainment
In terms of comfort and infotainment equipment, the Fiat 500X stands out in its category thanks to the sophisticated UconnectT systems with 5″ or 6.5″ touchscreens. Both versions come complete with Bluetooth interface, Aux-in connector, USB port and voice commands. Additionally, the Uconnect Radio Nav 5” device offers TomTom 2.5D navigation while the 6.5″ Uconnect Radio Nav features satellite navigation with 3D maps, progressive route guidance and ‘One Shot Voice Destination Entry’ to enter addresses with voice commands.
Using the colour touchscreen, the system lets you access all the main functions: from the radio through to all the main multimedia sources (media player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone) which can be connected via USB port or Aux-in socket or Bluetooth audio streaming. This can all be managed directly using the steering wheel controls in order that the drive doesn’t to look away from the road or take their hands off the wheel.
How much dores the new Fiat 500X cos in South Africa?
The new Fiat 500X will debut in the South African market during July 2015 and will be available at Fiat Chrysler dealers nationwide.
The 500X range will initially be launched with the 1.4l Cross with the 6-speed manual transmission and limited numbers of the 1.4l Cross with the 6-speed DDCT transmission. The pricing will start at R344,900.00 and R359,900.00 respectively.
The 500X 1.4l Cross Plus will be launched at the end of August and 1.6l Pop Star will be launched at the end of September. These models will be priced at R379,900.00 and R310,900.00 respectively.
The final model in the range, the Cross Plus DDCT will be available in the fourth quarter of 2015 and will be priced at R394,900.00.
All Fiat products come standard with a three year / 100,000 km warranty and maintenance plan.
