Fiat 500X freshened for 2019

Fiat has announced it has updated its 500X for 2019 by giving its small SUV some mild exterior tweaks, two new turbo-petrol engines and new tech like traffic sign recognition.

Externally, the 2019MY 500X is distinguished from the current car by new headlights incorporating LED daylight running lamps, plus LED tail-lights, as standard.

The mid-life tweaks also introduce the option of full-LED headlights that, Fiat claims, are 20 per cent brighter than the old car's most powerful xenon lights.

In European markets, the Italian car-maker has also introduced a new Urban trim that joins the Cross and City Cross models, which are not available in Australia.

All three variants are said to now feature more rugged styling with the introduction of redesigned front and rear bumpers now incorporating decorative bash plates.

Inside, there are yet more subtle changes. The instrument panel is said to get clearer graphics that now combine two analogue dials with a third configurable 3.5-inch display in the middle.

As part of the updates, Fiat has also introduced a new leather-wrapped steering wheel that's claimed to allow drivers to better position their hands.

Helping personalise the 500X beyond the current car, there's now the choice of seven leather or fabric interior finishes and colours available.

Like before, the car-maker's 7.0-inch infotainment system carries over and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the bonnet of the 500X, which is built alongside the Jeep Renegade, there's the same all-new turbo-petrol 1.0-litre three-cylinder that produces 88kW and 190Nm, offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.

For those wanting more power a fractionally larger turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder has also been introduced that pushes out 110kW and 270Nm and is combined with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Finally, the old entry-level 88kW normally-aspirated 1.6-litre lives on and is combined with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive.

On the diesel side, in Europe the updated range gets three engines – a 70kW 1.3-litre, a more powerful 88kW 1.6-litre and a flagship 110kW 2.0-litre that's combined with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

As well as new engines, Fiat has introduced two new drive assist programs, traffic sign recognition and speed alert. Lane assist is also standard, while blind sport alert and autonomous emergency braking are on the options list.

The revised 500X goes on sale in Europe from this September, but it's not yet known when it will land Down Under, now which engines Fiat Australia will choose to import.

The safe money is the current car's 103kW/230Nm 1.4-litre turbo will be phased out and replaced by the new turbo 1.3-litre, but the smaller 1.0-litre might also be introduced to offer Aussie buyers a 500X at a lower price point.