Fiat has disclosed details regarding its upcoming 500X crossover, including the engine line-up, ahead of this year’s Paris Motor Show.
The 500X is Fiat’s riposte to the likes of the Mini Countryman and will share its expanded Punto platform with the 500L mini MPV. According to Fiat, this 4-metre long crossover shares the 500L’s packaging proviso of being able to accommodate five adults, as well as their luggage in a 400 dm3 luggage compartment.
From the brief glimpse (see article video) Fiat gave us of the 500X at a motoring press event in Turin, Italy, we were able to discern a raised ride height, matte black plastic cladding for the lower sills, bumper and wheel arches, and stylistic cues lifted from both the standard 500 and the 500L.
A choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains will be offered, with the underpinnings of the latter reportedly being considered for a trail-rated Jeep compact off-roader currently dubbed B-SUV.
This model’s engine line-up will reportedly mirror that of the 500L; namely a 1,4-litre petrol unit developing 69 kW for the entry-level front-wheel drive model and a 2-cylinder TwinAir engine displacing 1,0-litres and developing 77 kW. A couple of Multijet diesels are also expected to join the range at a later date.
Reports suggest that a thinly veiled concept will appear at the upcoming Paris Motor Show with production versions emerging in Europe in 2013.
Production will take place at the Fiat’s soon-to-be-upgraded Mirafiori plant in late 2013. Mirafiori is due to receive a 1 billion euro expansion investment and will post annual volumes as high as 280 000 units.
