2016 FIAT 500X RECEIVES AUTOTRADER MUST TEST DRIVE AWARD

March 22, 2016 by Fiat

◾2016 Fiat 500X combines iconic Italian style with functionality, performance and all-wheel-drive confidence

◾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

◾Named Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; Loaded with up to 70 advanced safety and security features, including seven standard air bags, Forward Collision Warning Plus, and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus

◾Available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors to offer the personality that FIAT vehicles are known for

March 22, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - After a thorough, in-depth evaluation by the staff at Autotrader, the 2016 Fiat 500X earned a Must Test Drive award.

'The Fiat 500X is a baby SUV that's a bargain, but can feel like a luxury ride too,' said Autotrader. 'This model has plenty of high-end options like rain-sensing wipers, a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-path detection, all of which add to the premium feel.'

As the new crossover in the FIAT family, the 2016 Fiat 500X expanded the reach of the FIAT brand in North America by offering a unique combination of attainable Italian style, technology and advanced all-wheel-drive capability.

'The Fiat 500X is the brand's first all-wheel-drive vehicle and continues to gain traction in the marketplace with sales up 52 percent last month,' said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand, FCA - Global. 'In this ultra-competitive small crossover segment, we are honored to have the Fiat 500X receive the Autotrader 2016 Must Test Drive Award.'

The Autotrader Must Test Drive Awards (www.Autotrader.com/MustTestDrive) is a uniquely consumer-driven awards program designed to highlight 10 vehicles that car shoppers must see to believe. Selected vehicles are ones that can change the way a consumer perceives the model or even the entire brand.

The awarded vehicles are chosen based on a diverse set of criteria outlined by Autotrader's editorial experts, who log thousands of miles test driving the latest cars, trucks and SUVs on the road. Consideration is only given to vehicles that car shoppers can buy at the time of the award announcement; are of the current or next model year; have a base price under $75,000; offer significant value for the asking price; and scored no lower than a 'four' on Autotrader's five-point scale. With the seal of the Autotrader Must Test Drive Awards on them, these vehicles are truly unexpectedly good.

About FIAT Brand

The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. That philosophy is embodied by the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is sold in more than 100 countries and is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function, technology and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

In North America, the Fiat 500 was introduced in March 2011 and was soon followed by the Fiat 500c (Cabrio), the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e, the five-passenger Fiat 500L and the all-wheel-drive 500X crossover. The FIAT brand continues to expand with the introduction of the Fiat 124 Spider, a revival of the iconic roadster that combines Italian style, performance and engaging driving dynamics. The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive at FIAT studios in summer 2016.

Photo credit: Fiat
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