FIAT's new compact crossover from the 500 family, the 500 X, is now in Malta and available for viewing at FIAT's showroom in Psaila Street B'Kara.
The new 500 X represents the technological maturity of FIAT's 500 brand and an evolution of this success story. More specifically, the 500 X is also an evolution of the Fiat 500's defining qualities namely mature elegance, comfort, style and high-performance, all 'Made in Italy'.
Commenting about the newly arrived model, Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of UCIM Co. Ltd, representatives of the FIAT brand in Malta said, "the Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in its very nature, but also because it appeals to a wide range of customers, male and female, of different ages, with different needs and tastes. In this sense, the "X" symbol represents a crossroads between several segments, each inhabited by the young and the mature, lovers of beauty and connoisseurs of character. The 500 X is for those who consider themselves dynamic, with an active social life and who cultivate different passions and interests. What they have in common, however, is the desire to enjoy a satisfying driving experience and express their own personality through a distinctive style."
The FIAT 500 X extends the 500 family, comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models.
"With the Fiat 500, FIAT has managed to cultivate a distinct brand within the FIAT brand by grafting a family of 500 models, all diverse in vocation and character, but which all share the same roots of the iconic Fiat 500. The 500 X is the latest arrival in this family and we are proud to welcome this much anticipated model to Malta," added Francesca Mamo.
Built at FIAT's plant in Potenza and sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the US, the new Fiat 500 X is available in two different versions with two different souls - one more "metropolitan", the other ideal for leisure use. Models are equipped with efficient diesel and petrol engines, three types of transmission - manual, 9-speed automatic or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic - and with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive with "Traction Plus" configurations.
The more metropolitan version of the 500 X is available in Pop, Popstar and Lounge trim levels and features distinctive and elegant styling. The second version - available in Cross and Cross Plus trim levels shows off a more off-road look and technology. This latter model is the ideal solution for those who love leisure and the outdoors, but don't want to compromise on the unique style of the Fiat 500.
Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the new 500X represents a new dimension of the unmistakable Fiat 500 in which iconic style and the modern crossover concept collide, with the addition of the respectable off-road capability of a version that's perfect for outdoor pursuits.
Style and dimensions
The unequivocal expression of "Made in Fiat" design, the Fiat 500X offers flexibility, rationality and quality, all firmly embedded in its compact dimensions, in its ample interior space and the choice of premium materials and fabrics, as well as the most sophisticated technology at the service of safety, comfort and on-board wellbeing. The Fiat 500X is a casual, fun vehicle you can "wear" every day, an original piece of clothing featuring soft shapes for maximum freedom of movement, sure to reflect the personality of its driver thanks to the host of customisation options available.
The solid, robust appearance of the car finds its perfect stylistic counterpart in the harmonious lines, which emerge in dimensions ideal for customers looking for the comfort, space and equipment typical of a compact saloon. At the same time, the new 500X also gives a nod to those who need to tackle urban traffic every day, thanks to its modest dimensions: it's 4.25 metres long (2 cm more for the leisure version), 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres in height (or 1.61 and 1.62 metres respectively with roof bars or four-wheel drive).
Compact outside, welcoming inside: a spacious, protective environment with extensive use of high quality materials and finishes, and a host of practical storage compartments. A comfortable passenger compartment is unmistakably Made in Italy and is available in no fewer than seven interior configurations, comprising a selection of different fabrics, leather, finishes and colours. Optimum functionality is ensured by the seat adjustment options and the spacious luggage compartment (350 litres).
Finally, the customer can chose from 12 different liveries to emphasize the Fiat 500X's sensual form, further enhanced by a choice of eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Engine versions
The 500X is available in various combinations of engine, gearbox and transmission to meet all usage requirements, all respecting the environment and offering maximum efficiency in terms of performance, consumption and emissions.
Locally, the 500 X comes with a 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir2 engine which is also available with front-wheel drive and 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. In particular, the innovative automatic and sequential dual clutch transmission ensures greater driving comfort and a sportier feeling, in terms of gear shift speed, offering increased efficiency and optimised consumption. Conceptually, it consists of two transmissions in parallel that permit extraordinarily rapid gear changes, releasing one clutch and engaging the other simultaneously.
The following turbo diesel power units will also be available: the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (6-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive).
The 500X crossover is also the first Fiat car to offer nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, available with the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II turbo diesel, offers many advantages, including great pick-up capacity and smooth delivery of power. Electronically controlled, the new nine-speed automatic transmission features specific mapping, with the option to switch to manual-sequential mode.
The new Fiat 500X also comes with optional 4WD and rear axle disconnection system, Mood Selector and Traction Plus, Electronic Stability Control, UconnectTM infotainment systems, and eco:DriveTM, which permits a saving of up to 16% on fuel costs and reduces CO2 emissions.
Launch Introductory Showroom Price for the FIAT 500 X starts from €19,900.