2015 Fiat 500X 1.6-liter E-torQ 16-valve 110 hp

2015 Fiat 500X 

The 16-valve 1.6-liter E.torQ I-4 delivers 81 kW (110 CV, 110 horsepower) and 152 N·m (112 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. Stop&Start technology helps cut emissions and fuel consumption. Unique components help the lightweight engine deliver high torque at low engine speeds while contributing to reduced fuel consumption. Graphite-coated pistons are optimized to reduce friction and weight. Forged connecting rods and an aluminum oil pan aid weight savings. For increased refinement, the E.torQ crankshaft features eight counterweights.

Only slightly smaller than the 500L, the 500X shares some of its sibling's design cues including the large, double-decker headlight-and-driving-lamp combo. However, the 500X wears its weight a bit better than the more upright 'L and its notch-backed design better matches the proportions of the standard 500 coupe.

The 500X is also similar to the recently revealed Jeep Renegade -- both models being based on the same platform Fiat-Chrysler platform -- so it's no surprise that some of the engine and drivetrain options look familiar. At launch, the 500X will feature the automakers' shared 1.4-liter Turbo MultiAir II engine, which is mated with either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission putting power to the front wheels. In this incarnation, the 1.4's output is stated at 140 horsepower.

Later, the engine lineup will be joined by the more powerful 184 horsepower Tigershark 2.4 with its nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. That all-wheel-drive setup is an on-demand system that seamlessly transitions between front and four-wheel drive depending on traction needs thanks to an automatic rear-axle disconnect. The 500X will be the first Fiat model to sport either this 4WD system or the nine-speed automatic.

Rounding out the 500X's engine lineup in various world markets are 1.6- and 2.0-liter variants of the nonturbo MultiJet II, a 1.6-liter "E-torQ" engine and 1.3 and 2.0-liter variants of the MultiJet II diesel engine. All in, the 500X will be available with eight engines, three transmissions, and three different drivetrain setups.

2015 Fiat 500X 

Toggling the "Drive Mood Selector" on the center console will allow the driver to adjust the engine, brakes, steering and transmission settings among three modes: Auto (or normal), Sport and All Weather. That last setting, All Weather, activates a Traction mode on all-wheel-drive models that more readily shifts torque to the rear axle. On front-drivers it activates "Traction Plus," which sounds like a more aggressive version of the brake-based traction and stability control system.

Available safety tech options will vary from market to market, but can include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, the ParkView rear camera, and the Brake Control collision mitigation braking system.

In the dashboard, we're looking at a pair of new infotainment options under the Uconnect marquee. The Uconnect 5-inch Radio Nav option features TomTom 2.5D navigation, an interesting break from my experiences with Uconnect systems powered by unbranded Garmin navigation software. The larger Uconnect 6.5-inch Radio Nav system is presumably similar to the system that I'm familiar with from my review of the Fiat 500L, featuring satellite navigation with 3D maps, progressive route guidance and the Uconnect's excellent "One Shot Voice Destination Entry."

2015 Fiat 500X 

Both versions feature an extensive range of digital inputs including USB and iPod, SD card, and Bluetooth for hands-free calling, audio streaming, and voice texting connectivity. The addition of a new Uconnect Live functionality allows for smartphone app integration -- including Facebook, Twitter, Deezer and TuneIn -- while TomTom Live services integration brings traffic, speed cameras, and weather updates to the dashboard.

The icing on the infotainment cake is the availability of the bass-friendly Beats by Dre Hi-Fi audio system as an optional upgrade.