Fiat has given us a fleeting glimpse of its riposte to the likes of the Mini Countryman; the Fiat 500X ahead of the car’s official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The mock-up of Fiat’s future crossover (as suggested by the opaque windows) was shown off to a select group of journalists at a closed-door event in Turin and bears more than a passing resemblance to the firm’s other 500 spin-off – the 500L.
The 500X builds on the 500L’s styling with a raised ride height, matte plastic cladding for wheel arches and lower bodywork, a less pronounced step at the rear and less chrome garnish.
Fiat is playing its cards close to its chest with regards to drivetrain and model line-up details, but it has been suggested that the current 500’s 1,4-litre petrol (74 kW/131 N.m) and a 1,3-litre MultiJet diesel are among the engines under consideration, while 4×2 and all-wheel drivetrains are also likely to be offered. The underpinnings of this 3,96-metre will reportedly be shared with a Jeep-badged entry-level model codenamed B-SUV, which like the Fiat wil feature 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains as well as a Trail Rated version capable of more rigorous off-road duties.
Production will take place at the Fiat’s soon-to-be-upgraded Mirafiori plant, which is due to receive a 1 billion euro expansion investment. Production will take place in late 2013 with annual volumes as high as 280 000 units.
You can view a video clip of the 500X’s brief unveiling by clicking on the VIDEO tab to the top-right of the featured image on this article.
