2017 Fiat 500X orders kick off
The updated Fiat 500X, the compact crossover of reference when it comes to technology and safety systems, is arriving at the dealerships. The 2017 model is fitted out with updated equipment that, as always, is in line with the extremely versatile features that decreed its success.
Ever since its début, the 500X has stood out owing to its extensive range of engines and drives offered, and to the two versions boasting a strong personality that fulfil the most diverse needs. Cross and Cross Plus are the Off-Road interpretations fitted out with specific bumpers and protective shields and they offer customers the choice between 4×2 or 4×4 drive. The Pop, Popstar and Lounge versions, instead, convey the metropolitan attitude of the Fiat compact crossover.
The design of the 500X proves to be mature, elegant and classically Italian, an evolution of the stylistic features that made the Fiat 500 iconic in new and distinctive proportions.
The size is the same: 424 cm in length for Pop, Popstar and Lounge, and 427 cm for Cross and Cross Plus; 197 and 202 cm in width, and height varying from 160 to 162 cm, depending on version and drive. Every version has a 257 cm wheelbase. The Off-Road Look versions sport new skid plates that reinforce their personality and visibility on the road owing to the new metallic shade. The front and rear skid plates today are aluminium-coloured. The colder DRL lights make the appearance of the front even more captivating.
Other developments are found in the brand new 17″ lightweight alloy wheels on the Lounge version and three new body colours: the metallic Blue Jeans and Donatello Bronze – which will be available in 2017 -, and the pastel Cappuccino Beige.
The interior of the City-Look 500X shows off a new finish on the central tunnel plus new seats, including the anthracite fabric seats with black edges in a technical material for the Pop and Popstar versions, and the anthracite and ivory seats for the Popstar. The tobacco and black leather upholstery has been updated as well.
The most interesting innovation introduced to the engine range is undoubtedly the début of the 1.3 MultiJet 95 HP and 1.6 eTorq 110 HP engines, which open the doors to the world of 500X and are also available on the Off-Road Look versions (Cross and Cross Plus). The spectrum of engines – all Euro 6 – today meets every need: the 1.6 litre 110 HP petrol engine with manual transmission and front-wheel drive; the 1.4 Multiair 140 HP petrol engine, again with front-wheel drive but fitted out with dual clutch automatic transmission or manual transmission; and the 1.4 Multiair 170 HP petrol engine complete with all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission.
The assortment of diesel engines is even richer and ranges from the 95 HP of power delivered by the sparkling and balanced 1.3 MultiJet II – the most popular engine – to the 140 HP of the 2 litre all-wheel drive unit that is also available with nine-speed automatic transmission. The 120 HP 1.6 MultiJet II complete with front-wheel drive is also offered with the dual clutch automatic transmission, extraordinary technical content recently presented at the Paris Motor Show. This combination offers high standards in terms of comfort and ease of use while at the same time retaining the highly valued dynamic characteristics of the engine.
Technically, the system consists of two automated transmissions, one with the even gears and the other with the odd gears arranged in parallel. The gear is engaged in one of the two, whereas the other continues to provide traction with the other gear. The effective gear change is obtained by modulating the corresponding clutches in order to guarantee continuous traction during the entire manoeuvre. The clutches are the “dry” type to minimise impact on the vehicle and to maximise the efficiency of the entire system and driving pleasure.
The innovative all-wheel drive system optimises the performance and fuel consumption ratio thanks to the disconnect function that, when not necessary, completely disengages the 4×4 system, eliminating gear and shaft rotation, thus eliminating losses due to friction and inertia and bringing the performance closer to that of a two-wheel drive vehicle of equal trim.
Available equipment includes the Lane Assist system (which alerts the driver with visual and acoustic warnings in the event of involuntary lane changes), Brake Control (which warns the driver of potential collision risks and independently brakes the vehicle if the driver fails to react in time), Blind Spot Assist (which alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in blind spots) and Rear Cross Path Detection (which warns the driver of the presence of vehicles approaching from the side when reversing).
Adaptive Cruise Control is one shining example of its safety equipment. This system enhances the value and comfort of Cruise Control, especially in the middle of heavy traffic, since it automatically adapts the optimum speed in real time based on traffic conditions. It uses a radar sensor mounted on the front of the vehicle to detect objects in its trajectory. The system maintains the set speed if the lane in front of the vehicle is clear. If slower traffic is detected, the system automatically adjusts itself to keep a safer distance (set by the driver) using the accelerator and brakes.
Ultimate safety is guaranteed in terms of visibility as well due to the fog lights with cornering function that perfectly illuminates the inside of the curves, and to the availability of Xenon headlamps that provide sharper lighting because it is closer to the natural vision condition of the human eye. Furthermore, the automatic headlights switch on and off automatically depending on the light conditions, and also change automatically from high to low beam when other vehicles approach.
The Fiat 500X is not lacking in driving pleasure, as highlighted by features such as the Electric Park Brake, Drive Mode Selector, Keyless Entry and Keyless Go, and the rear manoeuvring camera with parking sensors. On-board comfort is always first-rate thanks to electrically adjustable front seats with eight-way lumbar support, which is also electrically adjustable in four positions. Finally, the 500X is always connected thanks to UconnectTM Live services, which are standard throughout most of the line-up. They include the UconnectTM 6.5″ Radio Nav LIVE system that can be combined with the powerful BeatsTM by Dr. Dre hi-fi system, with nine speakers and eight-channel amplifier.
Source: Fiat Europe
