About Fiat 500X
Fiat expanded the 500 range in 2015 with the introduction of a crossover based on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade.
The 500 was a huge success for the Italian automaker, but it couldn't cover all the segments of the market. In addition, customers asked for a crossover, and Fiat didn't have any in its lineup. Moreover, the Panda 4x4 didn't exactly meet their expectations. As a result, the Italians used the same platform developed together with Jeep and added a bodywork that resembled the 500 range, resulting the 500X
With a front fascia dominated by elements that followed the same design language as the 500, the 500X featured a pair of round headlights slightly stretched over the front fenders. Moreover, above the front bumper, it didn't have a massive grille but just a tiny gap and a chromed trim that looked similar to the one installed on the regular 500 range. The main cooling area was on the lower bumper, where the designers made an air intake covered with a mesh grille and flanked by a pair of scoops for the fog lamps. Depending on the trim level and options, a silver plastic shield protected the engine compartment from underneath against splashes and debris from the road. It was not meant to protect it against stones or other off-road-specific obstacles. From its profile, the five-door hatchback featured rounded shapes with flared wheel arches and an ascending beltline. The car's doors featured chromed or body-colored handles, depending on the trim level, and blackened B-pillar to create the look of a coupe. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate sported a spoiler at its upper area to create a sporty image for the little crossover.
Inside, Fiat created a two-tone dashboard with a binocular instrument cluster facing the driver where the speedometer was on the left dial and the tachometer on the right, flanking the center-mounted TFT display that showed the fuel gauge, water temperature, and data from the onboard computer. On top of the center stack, the carmaker installed a 5” or 6.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system featuring navigation and Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones. In addition, the Uconnect Live system allowed customers to listen to over 100,000 radio stations. For the front occupants, Fiat installed bucket seats with mild bolstering, while in the back, it put a split-folding bench seat wide enough for two passengers on medium trips or three for short jaunts.
Since it used the same platform as the Renegade and the Compass, the 500X was available with a range of gasoline or diesel engines ranging between 110 PS (109 HP) and 180 PS (178 HP) paired with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. The automaker offered the small-sized crossover with either front or all-wheel-drive systems.