2014 LA Auto Show: The Fiat 500X brings some all-terrain options to the line

Fiat took some of the spotlight at the LA Auto Show to reveal their new 500X crossover based on the Fiat 500 and the Jeep Renegade.

Like the Jeep Renegade it’s based on, the Fiat 500X comes with a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four good for 160hp and 184 lb-ft of twist . There’s also an optional 2.4L unit good for 180hp. Transmission options include a six-speed manual for the base engine while an optional nine-speed automatic is available. That nine-speed is standard with the 2.4L engine.

The 2015 Fiat 500X will be sold with five different trims, four of which are modeled right after the base 500 model’s setups including Pop, Easy, and Lounge trims. For the more rugged individual, there are also Trekking and Trekking Plus options.

Check out the press release after the jump.

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The FIAT Brand Continues to Expand With the All-new Fiat 500X

  • 2016 Fiat 500X combines iconic Italian style with functionality, performance and all-wheel-drive confidence
  • All-new crossover highlights continued expansion of FIAT brand in North America
  • Delivers contemporary Italian design with iconic Cinquecento features in a larger, more capable package
  • Features advanced drive systems, including two engine options, available nine-speed automatic transmission, and available all-wheel drive with disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency
  • Loaded with up to 70 advanced safety and security features
  • Available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors to offer the personality that FIAT vehicles are known for
November 20, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features.
 
“The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the FIAT brand in North America,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “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.” 
 
With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.
 
In the United States, the all-new Fiat 500X is available with the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.
 
A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration for different driving conditions.
 
The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.
 
Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel.
 
The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento. The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, body-color instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles.
 
The 2016 Fiat 500X is available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more rugged look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus models feature unique front and rear fascia designs, and satin silver accents for a distinct, adventurous appearance.
 
Crafted in Italy at Fiat Automobiles’ Melfi assembly plant, the all-new Fiat 500X will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015. As a global vehicle, it will go on sale in more than 100 countries worldwide. View the North American reveal of the all-new Fiat 500X here.
 

About FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.
 
Reminiscent of the original 1957 Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle’s global popularity. Since its launch in 2007, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards.
 
In North America, the FIAT brand portfolio continues to expand with the introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L, an all-new five-passenger model that expands FIAT’s brand style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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