Fiat has expanded its 500 range of vehicles with the launch of the 500X in the US. The Itailian automaker launched the first 500 in North America in March 2011. The Italian automaker soon followed it up with the 500C (cabrio), the high-performance 500Abarth, the electric 500e and the 500L MPV. Further expanding its 500 range of models, Fiat has now launched the 500X crossover.
The price for this new offering, which will arrive in the US market in the second quarter of 2015, starts at $20,000 (Rs 12.34 lakh).
Fiat says the US-spec 500X is available in five trim levels. The Street series models, including the Pop, Easy and Lounge, feature an urban appearance while the Trekking and Trekking Plus models get a more aggressive look with unique front and rear fascia designs and satin silver accents.
The crossover is powered by the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, with an output of 160 horsepower. The 2.4-litre MultiAir2 engine, on the other hand, produces 180 horsepower and is paired exclusively to a 9-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive models.
The 2016 500X offers up to 70 standard and optional safety features. Optional features include Forward Collision Warning-Plus with full stop, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.
Scheduled to go on sale later this year in the US, the new 500X is being built at Fiat’s Melfi facility in Italy.
