The 2016 FIAT 500X will roll into North American dealership showrooms next year as the brand’s first all-wheel-drive vehicle built for tough winter conditions.
FIAT has struggled a bit on the North American market where buyers are drifting away from small cars and buying more SUVs. The FIAT 500L subcompact, first introduced in 2011, has struggled to sell, so hopes are that the 500X will deliver what the North American buyers are looking for.
“But the biggest opportunity for us with [the Fiat 500X] is where we get some inclement weather,” said Jason Stoicevich, head of the FIAT brand in North America.
The 500X is a stylish subcompact crossover that was designed with the North American market in mind. This vehicle shares the same platform as the Jeep Renegade, but the styling is all FIAT. With double headlamps, trapezoidal front and rounded clamshell hood, there should be no brand confusion.
There are even two powertrain options available on the 500X. Standard is a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. There is also an optional 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system is designed to send power to the two rear wheels automatically when additional traction is required. There are also three drive modes that the driver can choose from: auto, sport and traction+.
“The car was clearly designed with our market in mind,” said Stoicevich. “This is a true global car. It is going to be sold in 100 countries.”
The car made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is expected to hit dealership lots in the first half of 2015. Be sure to check out this creepy ad for the vehicle!
