FIAT Brand Continues to Expand with All-new Fiat 500X

Fiat is a true giant of the auto industry, but it isn’t too long ago that the range of cars it had on sale here in the U.S. under its own brand was limited, to say the least. But the European automaker is continuing to add to its offering here in the States with the 500X being the latest new vehicle in its expanding lineup. Yes, this may be yet another slant on the popular 500 styling, but offering an entire range based on one primary design certainly hasn’t done Mini any harm. The introduction of this all-wheel drive version of the cute little auto is another illustration of Fiat knowing when it is onto a good thing, which it undoubtedly is with the 500 in all its guises.

The 500X addresses one of the issues potential buyers have with subcompacts, which is a perceived lack of safety due to such diminutive proportions. The 500X really is going to set the benchmark in the segment with its 70 standard and available safety and security features. These features include such big car systems as Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, to name but a few. When coupled with the 500X’s all-wheel drive system, these features make this one of the safest and most capable vehicles in its class.

This latest addition to the subcompact crossover segment comes in two distinct flavors: the economical 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo equipped version that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and puts out 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, and the full-fat 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 model that delivers 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque through its nine-speed automatic transmission.

Jason Stoicevich, the head of the FIAT brand for North America, said of the new model, “The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the FIAT brand in North America. The all-new 500X delivers the Italian design and personality that we are known for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology. In addition, it will be the first vehicle in our portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.”

While all-wheel drive is an available option, it does come with a clever system that is found on other Fiat/Chryslers crossovers here in the U.S., which is a disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency that means the vehicle can effectively operate in front-wheel drive when the added traction of AWD isn’t required.

All models seat up to five passengers comfortably and come equipped as standard with seven airbags, stability control and hill-start assist. There are five different trim levels to choose from, and available options include the likes of Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color TFT cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and such luxurious appointments as heated front seats and steering wheel.

The available trim levels are Pop, Easy, Lounge, Trekking, and Trekking Plus, with the last two featuring their own specific front and rear end designs to give them that slightly more rugged look.

If you like the idea of a small vehicle but you are not prepared to compromise on room, safety, comfort, convenience, connectivity and capability, the new Fiat 500X could be just what you are looking for.

McKevitt FIAT, located in Berkeley, sells & services FIAT cars throughout the entire Bay area. This includes San Francisco, Marin, Oakland and Alameda. If you are searching for FIAT dealers in San Francisco using the keywords FIAT dealers in San Francisco or local FIAT dealership, call or stop by for a test drive today!