We don’t know how we managed to miss the first compact crossover from Fiat when it was announced at last year Paris Motor Show, but anyways, as a consolation, we weren’t too late after all, cos’ the 2016 Fiat 500X Crossover is set to go on sale Stateside in second quarter of 2015. As far as U.S. consumers are concern, it will be configurable and carries with it a sticker starting at $20,000. We wouldn’t say the 500X is a beast, but it certainly looks like a 500 on steroid. Aesthetically, it is all pumped. Broader, taller and generally more muscular than the usual Fiat offerings. U.S. customers will get two engine variants: a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft on the tap, mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 unit, pumping out 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The latter is paired to a nine-speed auto gearbox and is available to both the all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.
Interestingly, Fiat has outfitted the AWD model with a disconnecting rear axle that minimizes parasitic loss when AWD capability is not required and there are three modes of driving: Auto, Sport and Traction + to suit the different driving conditions. Additionally, the 500X boasts over 70 standard and available safety and security features, including forward collision warning, land departure warning, blindspot monitoring and rear cross path detection. Standard safety features include ESC with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation, and seven airbags. Other details include Connect 6.5 radio with 6.5” high-res touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, a 3.5” color TFT cluster display, keyless enter-n-go, and heated front seats and steering wheel.
The 2016 Fiat 500X is offered in five trim levels: Pop ($20,000), Easy ($22,300), Trekking ($23,100), Lounge ($24,850), and Trekking Plus ($27,100). If you’re all up for the rugged aesthetic, Trekking and Trekking Plus, which features unique front and rear fascia designs, as well as satin silver accents for the ‘adventure’ look, would be the rides of choice. Keep going for Fiat’s (humorous) ad for this year Super Bowl and also a video of the official reveal at the LA Auto Show.
