The personalization even moves to the driving experience that can be enjoyed, obviously depending on how the new FIAT 500X is being driven and the driving conditions that are being experienced.
On the more rugged version of the FIAT 500X, the “All Weather” mode is replaced by the “Traction” function, which, in four-wheel versions, speeds up torque transmission to the rear axle; and on front-wheel drive versions activates the “Traction Plus” control system to offer extra help in extreme low-traction situations and avoid those extra emissions and fuel costs associated with four-wheel drive.
The FIAT 500X also offers eco:Drive™, which (surprise surprise: look at the name!) can help reduce emissions and fuel costs by up to 16%. (Yet to be confirmed for the UK is the my:Car™ service which helps with maintenance and dealing with emergencies using an interactive user manual.)
The engine range in Europe will comprise of four petrol engines and three diesel engines.
With the petrol engines, all front-wheel drive models will be equipped with a either a 110hp, 1.6-litre “E-torQ” engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140hp, 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed twin-clutch transmission. The all-wheel drive models will feature the nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, and feature either a 170hp, 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine or the 184hp, 2.4-litre Tigershark engine, although this last option will not be available here in the UK.
Faced with a plethora of demands from customers in the crossover segment, the FIAT 500X is equipped with a MacPherson rear suspension, pretty much guaranteeing that the car reaches the optimal balance of handling and comfort possible while the very latest safety technology ensures that you’ll get where you are going in a condition you would want to be in. These safety systems include front headlights with DRLs; front fog lights with adaptive cornering; sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control); Lane Assist (lane departure warning system); Blind Spot Assist (lane change assistance system); a ParkView reversing camera; and a "Brake Control" assisted braking system.
Sizewise, the FIAT 500X is compact on the outside – 4.25 metres long (with the more adventurous FIAT 500X 2cm longer), 1.80 metres wide and 1.60 metres high (1.61 with roof bars, 1.62 with 4WD) – yet spacious and inviting inside: just like the TARDIS!
The interior makes great use of some high-grade materials, top-quality finishes and practical storage compartments – including a spacious 350 litre luggage compartment – with the car’s seats adjusting to be able to offer a high degree of flexibility with a choice of seven different interior fabrics, leather and colour configurations, depending on the model and exterior colour.
(Again yet to be confirmed as available in the UK is a new Uconnect™ Live system that will allow customers to connect to on-board system apps such as Twitter and Facebook via their smartphoness, listen to millions of music tracks on Deezer and more than 100,000 radio stations with TuneIn, get real-time news updates from Reuters and get the latest traffic, safety camera and weather information from the TomTom Live service.)
The new FIAT 500X will go on sale in the UK in the second quarter of 2015 with the final specification announced closer to the launch.