Fiat 500X revealed at Paris motor show

Italian Jeep Renegade splits the difference between 500 and 500L

Fiat unveiled the surprisingly stylish 500X at the Paris motor show on Thursday. The biggest little Fiat is a close cousin of the upcoming Jeep Renegade cute 'ute and offers a range of engines and three drivetrain options: front-wheel drive, “Traction Plus” front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

“Traction Plus” is a halfway point between front- and all-wheel drive. It gives drivers more grip over loose surfaces, according to Fiat, but doesn’t cost as much, or use as much fuel as the all-wheel-drive system. If you do specify the AWD model, the 500X has a rear axle disconnect feature to help save fuel.


Engine choices for front-drive gasoline-powered models consist of a 110-hp, 1.6-liter four and a 140-hp and a 1.4-liter turbo four. All-wheel drive models (and probably American versions) will have a choice of a 170-hp, 1.4-liter turbo four and a 184-hp, 2.4-liter Tigershark four. Five- and six-speed manuals and six- and nine-speed automatic transmissions are offered.

A selection of diesel engines will also be offered in Europe, ranging from 95 to 140 hp.

2015 Jeep Renegade: Meet the new small Jeep
Car News
2015 Jeep Renegade: Meet the new small Jeep

The 500X is 167 inches in length, 70.8 inches wide and 63 inches tall. It’s the same length as the 500L, a little bit wider and a little bit shorter in height. Cargo space measures 12.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. It was designed at Centro Stile Fiat in Turin, Italy.

The Fiat comes in 12 colors and with eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels.

Instead of a drive mode selector, the 500X has a cheeky “drive mood selector” with three different modes for engine, brakes, steering and transmission. “Auto” offers the best mix of sporty and comfortable driving, “sport” mode turns the wick up and “all weather” adjusts the vehicle for maximum safety in low-grip conditions.

Fiat 500X Newspress

The Fiat 500X fits in between the 500L and 500. Photo by Newspress

Features on the 500X include a UConnect touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, USB connectivity, steering wheel controls and navigation. A Beats by Dre audio system is also available.

The Fiat 500X goes on sale in the U.S. in the first half of next year, along with the Jeep Renegade.

About the Paris Motor Show

The Paris motor show -- or as it is officially known, Mondial de l’Automobile -- occurs every two years, alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. It's a spotlight for the latest in design, but automakers will also show off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars. Check out all the action from the 2014 Paris motor show right here.