Fiat 500X teased
Italian car maker takes aim at MINI with new Countryman rival - and it's headed for AustraliaFiat has prematurely released new details on a vehicle that could be a top seller in this country, the 500X compact SUV.
Shown for the first time to the motoring media in Europe, the Fiat 500X appears to be based on the five-door Fiat 500L and will be a direct rival for vehicles such as the MINI Countryman and the upcoming Audi Q1.
The Fiat 500 family is going through a rapid expansion phase and many of the vehicles are expected to be earmarked for Australia, according to comments made by Olivier Francois earlier in the year.
Fiat-Chrysler Group Australia representatives couldn’t be contacted at the time of writing, but Fiat Asia-Pacific boss Massimo Roserba told motoring.com.au in April that several versions of 500 will arrive Down Under.
"Not only now do we [currently] have only one car [model in Australia] but only one version [of that car]. For sure our intention is to enlarge the 500 range," Mr Roserba said.
"We try now to give Australia all versions of the 500 -- to complete the range and introduce as soon as possible the 500L," he said.
Details of the new Fiat 500X are still a closely guarded secret, but it's likely that Fiat will equip the high-riding soft-road version at a similar level of equipment to the Fiat 500L, particularly as they share the same platform.
The most likely engine options are the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre turbodiesel motors, and it's unclear if an all-wheel drive version will be offered.
What is clear from the teaser photo is the evolving design, which takes a more conservative approach than the 500L, which indicates the car is aiming for wide spectrum (global) appeal.
Gone is the quirky wrap-around windscreen with its double A-pillars, replaced with a more orthodox design. The rear end avoids the slab-like vertical treatment of the 500L's rump, instead bestowed with a tapered, pulled back tailgate that should result in an upsized boot floor.
The new Fiat 500L compact SUV is expected to be exhibited for the first time publicly at the Paris Motor Show in late September, at which time we should have all the details on its running gear and interior features - not to mention its Australian introduction.
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