The Fiat 500X débuts at the Paris Motor Show

The Fiat 500X débuts at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the new compact crossover in the 500 family that marks the evolution of the brand and technology through the development in its DNA.

A beauty with character, the new car explores a brand-new dimension of being 500, where a mature, elegant, all-Italian style 'clothes' - like haute couture - the substance of a car that is comfortable, high-performance and always in touch with the world: that's the X side of beauty, and that's the soul of the Fiat 500X.

Heir to the Fiat 500 of 1957 - the stylistic reference of the rounded lights and the classic logo with chrome-plated bonnet trim is clear - the new Fiat crossover extends the 500 family, comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models: cars which are very different in terms of vocation and character, but which have the same roots in common: the iconic Fiat 500.

Built in the updated SATA plant in Melfi (Potenza) and sold on more than 100 countries worldwide including the United States, the new Fiat 500X will be available in two different versions with two different souls - one more 'metropolitan' and the other ideal for leisure - equipped with efficient diesel and petrol engines, three types of transmission - manual, 9-speed automatic or twin-clutch 6-speed automatic - and with front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive with Traction Plus configurations.

500X 'goes beyond' current customer targets

The Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in its very nature, but also because it is of interest to many different types of customer in terms of different sexes, ages, needs and tastes. In this sense, the 'X' symbol represents the exponential element, a crossroads for segments that vary greatly among themselves, each inhabited by the young and the mature, lovers of beauty and connoisseurs of character. They are dynamic, with an active social life and they cultivate different passions and interests. What they have in common, however, is the desire to enjoy a satisfying driving experience and express their own personality through a distinctive style. Today they all find a clear, exhaustive answer: Fiat 500X.

Two versions are available: the first, characterised by distinctive, elegant style details, is sure to win over young, dynamic and metropolitan customers. The second version, instead, has a decidedly more off-road look and equipment which make it the ideal solution for lovers of leisure and outdoor activities who don't want to give up the unique style of the Fiat 500.

Style and dimensions

Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the new 500X represents a new dimension of the unmistakable 500 where its iconic style and the modern concept of the crossover collide, with the addition of the respectable off-road capability ensured by the version most suitable for an outdoor lifestyle.

With a big personality and distinctively Italian design, the new car is characterised by flexibility, rationality and quality firmly embedded in its compact dimensions, in the ample interior space and the choice of premium materials and fabrics, as well as the most sophisticated technology in the service of safety, comfort and well-being on board.

The solid, robust appearance of the car finds its perfect stylistic counterpart in the harmonious line, which emerges in dimensions ideal for customers looking for comfort space and the equipment typical of compact saloons. At the same time, the 500X also gives a nod to those who need to tackle urban traffic every day, thanks to its modest dimensions: it's 4.25 metres long (2 cm more for the version suited for leisure), 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres in height (with roof bars or 4-wheel drive the figures are 161 and 162 cm respectively).

Compact outside, welcoming inside: a large, protective environment with extensive use of fine materials, high-quality finishes and practical storage compartments. A comfortable passenger compartment which is unmistakably Made in Italy and offered in no fewer than seven interior configurations, through matching of various types of fabric, leather and colours. This is all made even more functional through the many seat adjustment possibilities and the spacious luggage compartment (350 litres).

Finally, the customer can chose from 12 different liveries that emphasises the sensual form of the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels

Engine versions

The new Fiat 500X offers, according to the EMEA market, various combinations of engine, gearbox and transmission to meet all usage requirements, always with respect for nature and maximum efficiency in terms of performance, consumption and emissions.

At launch, the engine line-up will feature the 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox), the 120 HP 1.6 MultiJet II (also with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox) and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (with 9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive).

The range will later be completed by the 110 HP 1.6 'E-torQ' (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive) and the powerful 184 HP Tigershark 2.4 (9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive).

The 140 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II will also be available with front-wheel drive and dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. More in detail, the innovative dual clutch sequential automatic transmission secures both more driving comfort and a sportier feel than a traditional automatic transmission, and greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption. Conceptually, the device consists of two transmissions in parallel which allow extraordinarily rapid shifts by releasing one clutch and engaging the other one simultaneously.

Also available will be the following turbodiesels: the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet II (with 5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive) and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II (with 6-speed manual and 4-wheel drive).

Nine-speed automatic transmission

The 500X crossover is the first Fiat car to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, in combination with the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine and the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II turbodiesel, offers many advantages, including great capacity for pick-up and smooth delivery of power. With electronic control, the new nine-speed automatic transmission features 'shift-on-the-fly' mapping, with the possibility of switching to manual-sequential mode.

4WD and rear axle disconnection system

The new Fiat 500X is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. A particular feature of the new Fiat crossover's four-wheel drive is the adoption of a rear axle disconnection system that permits a reduction in energy wasted through drag when four-wheel drive operation is not required, thus ensuring greater efficiency in terms of consumption. It is the only car in the segment to offer it, together with the Jeep Renegade; the rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver.

'Drive Mood Selector' and Traction Plus system

The new 500X offers the ' Drive Mood Selector ', which acts on engine, brakes, steering and gearbox/transmission, permitting three different car behaviours, based on the driving style most appropriate to the situation or road surface conditions: Auto (for the best in terms of comfort, consumption and CO2 emissions), Sport (for a drive that favours performance) and All weather (maximum safety even in low grip conditions).

On the versions more suitable for leisure, All weather mode is replaced by the 'Traction' function, which, in the case of the four-wheel drive version, speeds up the transmission of torque to the rear axle. On the versions with front-wheel drive, on the other hand, it activates the 'Traction Plus' control system, which on one hand improves grip on rough, slippery terrain, and on the other costs less and has lower emissions than a conventional four-wheel drive, proving more efficient in light, everyday off-road use.

Handling and safety

Equipped with MacPherson suspension at the rear, the Fiat 500X ensures the right balance of handling and comfort. What's more, to guarantee protection of occupant, the new Fiat crossover combines a body designed according to the most modern criteria with active and passive safety content that ensures excellent performance. As standard on the entire range is some important content, such as six airbags (front, window bags and side bags), front headlights with daytime running light function and fog lights with cornering function, in addition to the sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control). In addition, depending on the version and market, the advanced Lane Assist (lane departure warning system) and (lane change assistance system to get around blind spots) devices are available as standard or on request. On request, it is also possible to equip your 500X with the new ParkView rear camera for reversing and the 'Brake Control' (assisted braking system).

Infotainment

In terms of comfort and infotainment equipment, the Fiat 500X stands out in its category thanks to the sophisticated UconnectTM systems with 5' or 6.5' touchscreens. Both versions come complete with Bluetooth interface, Aux-in connector, USB port, SD port and voice commands. Additionally, the Uconnect 5'' Radio Nav device offers TomTom 2.5D navigation while the Uconnect 6.5' Radio Nav features satellite navigation with 3D maps, progressive route guidance and 'One Shot Voice Destination Entry' to enter addresses with voice commands.

Using the colour touchscreen, the system lets you access all the main functions: from the analogue and digital radio (DAB) through to all the main multimedia sources (media player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone) which can be connected via USB port or Aux-in socket or Bluetooth audio streaming. This can all be managed directly using the steering wheel controls in order not to look away from the road or take your hands off the wheel.

The new Uconnect TM Live system also allows customers - through integration with their smartphones - to use many apps on the on-board system so that they can always be in contact with their friends on Facebook and Twitter; listen to millions of music tracks on Deezer andover 100,000 real radio stations with TuneIn ; get real-time news updates from Reuters and information on the traffic, speed cameras, autovelox and weather thanks to TomTom Live services.

Finally, the Fiat 500X offers 'eco:DriveTM', which permits a saving of up to 16% in fuel costs and reduced CO2emissions, in addition to the 'my:CarTM' service, which helps with maintenance and dealing with emergencies with an interactive user manual.

by Fiat

With more than four million produced during its twenty-year production run, the tiny Fiat 500 was something to behold. Easy to spot by its rounded egg-like body, the Fiat 500 filled a need for utilitarian transportation for the Italian masses when it was introduced in 1957. The post-war European market needed an affordable option, and the rear-engined Fiat 500 was just the solution. The rear-engine design was taken from the Volkswagen Beetle and proved popular enough to be adopted by several other carmakers.

The designer behind the 500 was Dante Giacosa, who was famed for being one of the greatest designers in Fiat's history who not only dealt with the car design but also had a big hand in the engineering. A cheap and practical town car, the Nuova (new) 500 was debuted in July 1957 and is considered one of the first city cars and lasted until 1960. Giacosa was extremely motivated to construct a car that packed more into a smaller space and he did this by making the engine mount at the rear side. It featured a smaller two-cylinder engine than all newer models and produced just 13 bhp. The Nuova featured a fabric roof that folded entirely back to the rear of the car, similar to the Citroën 2CV. It was one of three models that came with 'suicide doors'. A stylish Sport version of the Nuova came with a special red stripe and more power in the engine.

With kart-like handling, the four-seat 500 was powered by an air-cooled 479cc flat twin, which eventually was boosted to 499cc that gave 18 bhp. With a top speed of 55mph, the 500 was an incredibly popular and practical vehicle of choice throughout Europe. Weighing at only 1,100 pounds, the 500 had a wheelbase of 72.4 inches, a length of 116.9 inches, and a height of 52.0 inches. The 500 had a Cx (aerodynamic resistance coefficient) of 0,38, which was quite impressive for the era.

The 'D' replaced the original Nuova in 1960. Similar in appearances to the car it replaced, two differences set the models apart: the engine size and the roof. The D came with an uprated 499 cc engine that produced 17 hp as standard and continued to be used until the end of the L in 1973. The roof for the D didn't fold back as far as the Nuova, but it that earlier roof was available as the 'Transformable'. The D also came with 'suicide doors'. Torino Motors assembled the 500D in New Zealand and it was locally dubbed the 'Fiat Bambina'.

The 500 was offered as the 'Giardiniera' station wagon variant in addition to the two-door coupe in 1960 until 1975. The wagon had the standard engine laid on its side, an additional 10 cm wheelbase that made room for a useable rear seat, larger brakes, and a full-length sunroof. Called the K or Giardiniera, the estate version of the Fiat 500 is the longest-running model. To create a flat loading surface, the engine was laid under the floor of the trunk. The roof stretches all the way to the rear and didn't stop at the driver and front passenger like other models of the time. The K came with 'suicide doors', and unlike other models, it continued to carry these doors into the 1970s. Production moved to Desio in 1966 and the Giardiniera was constructed by Fiat subsidiary Autobianchi. Production of the Giardiniera tallied at 327,000 which later examples featuring Autobianchi rather than Fiat badging.

The Fiat 500 F or Berlina was produced from 1965 until 1973 and spans two periods of 500 production, the D and the L. Because of the two production periods, the F model is very easily confused and misidentified. The F sported the same badging as the D from 1965 until 1969, but the two models can be easily told apart by the positioning of their door hinges. The F produced from June 1965 finally featured front-hinged doors while the D has 'suicide doors'. From '69 until '72 the F was sold next to the Lusso models as the less expensive 'base model' version. There wasn't much mechanically different from the F and L, but the main differences lay in the bumpers and the interior. The L had an extra chrome nudge bar, and the inside of the L featured a fresher updated look while the F interior didn't change from the original 1957 design.

Introduced in 1968 was the L or Lusso 500 model. It featured a modern interior that included a revamped dashboard and paid special attention to comfort and style for the passenger. The 500 L was produced until 1972.

The final version of the 500 was the R or Rinnovata version. The R model sported a larger 594 cc engine that was designed by Abarth with a more practical power rating of 23 bhp and a full synchromesh gearbox. This final model was much more comfortable than the previous version yet was more simply equipped and trimmed than before. The fuel gauge was removed and only the low fuel indicator was left.

Several custom models of the 500 were produced, including the 'Jolly' version by Carrozzeria Ghia with inspiration taken from the very exclusive Fiat 600 Jolly. The Jolly came with wicker seats, a chopped-roof, no doors, and usually seen with a canopy roof.

Showing that they had a lot of muscle behind their compact frame, seven Fiat 500s contested the first and only Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally in July of 1958. They were beaten by Messerschmitt TG500 and the Berkeley SE492s, but the little Italian cars show their rugged side and proved they were capable of incredible durability. Reputed to be the smallest car to complete a world circumnavigation, a 1969 Fiat 500 traveled 32,000 road kilometers in less than 100 days. In 2005, a 1973 500 took a 16,000 km trip traveling through Russia for a 100-day journey. Its progress was documented by newspaper and television stations worldwide and eventually a book entitled La bizzarra impresa ('The bizarre exploit') was published about the trip. In 2007 this same car became the first Fiat 500 to reach the Sahara dunes was taken around the Mediterranean Sea for over 10,000 kilometers.

The Fiat 500 was produced from 1957 until 1975 and was replaced with the Fiat 126. The 500 R was sold alongside the 126 for two years before the 500 was retired. More than 3.6 million Fiat 500 cars were sold during its lifetime and at the end, the production had been outsourced to a Polish company called FSM. The 126 never reached the same popularity as its predecessor in Italy. In March of 2007, Fiat debuted the all-new 500 model, based on the '04 Fiat Trepiuno concept. Its arrival coincided with fifty years since the original 500. The new 500 is also dubbed the bambino and competes with the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagen Beetle.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_500

http://www.vihti500.info/history-of-fiat500.php

http://www.fiat500america.com/fiat500-history/

by Jessican Donaldson