Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, the new crossover extends the 500 family, comprising the 500, 500C, 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models - cars diverse in vocation and character, but which all share the same roots: the iconic Fiat 500 of 1957. The 500X represents a new dimension of the unmistakable 500 in which iconic style and the modern crossover concept collide, with the addition of the respectable off-road capability of a version that's perfect for outdoor pursuits.
The unequivocal expression of "Made in Fiat" design, the 500X offers flexibility, rationality and quality, all firmly embedded in its compact dimensions, in its ample interior space and the choice of innovative materials and fabrics, as well as the most sophisticated technology at the service of safety, comfort and on-board wellbeing. In short, the 500X is a casual, fun vehicle you can "wear" every day, an original outfit with soft shapes for maximum freedom of movement and, thanks to the host of customisation options, it reflects the personality of its driver.
Exterior
From the very first glance it's clear that in this car, the stylistic roots of the 500 find a brand new interpretation, more "masculine" without ever flaunting excessive muscularity of form. In fact, despite the increased dimensions and generous wheelbase, the Fiat 500X offers fluid lines which give it grace and dynamism.
In particular, the exterior style of the new Fiat crossover expresses all the distinctive elements of both the current 500 family and the iconic 500 of the Fifties. The most evident reference to the model's precursor comes in the combination of the upper headlights, which although circular, have a more dynamic cut for a more "frowning" look, with the lower "main beam" lights and the "moustache and logo" design. The wraparound bonnet with side folds too is a 500 style feature, just like the front end, with its extreme stylistic harmony, the classic trapezoid muzzle and, at the centre, the elegant chrome moustache. Just underneath you'll find the black lower grille - a stylistic feature introduced on to the 500 in 2007 - which gives the vehicle its "friendly" look and, at the same time, brings robustness and strong personality.
The vehicle's solid, robust appearance finds its perfect stylistic balance in the harmonious lines contained in its modest dimensions: the car is 4.25 metres long (2 cm more for the leisure version), 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres in height (or 1.61 and 1.62 metres respectively with roof bars or four-wheel drive).
From the side the vehicle offers a waistline slightly slanted to the front which enhances its robustness and underlines the "dynamicity" of the design. In detail, the side section offers an up-to-date version of the historic 500 look, but with cleaner, more modern surfaces, interrupted by the generous wheel arches and the robust door sections. All enhanced even further by the ground clearance - 162 mm for the FWD versions and 179 mm for the AWD configurations (values measured in standard A) - and by the oversized wheels.
What's more, thanks to the adoption of outstanding off-road features such as specific bumpers and protective skid plates, the Cross and Cross Plus versions of the 500X ensure excellent typical off-road angles: the approach angle is 21.3°, the exit angle 30.1° and the ramp angle is 22.3° (values measured in standard A).
The 500X's rear end features a characteristically shaped chrome-plated handle that is reminiscent of the "bicycle-saddle" number plate light of its predecessor. The light clusters are housed between the tailgate cuts, and the way they light up makes them unmistakeable at night, thanks to the flowing shape of the brake lights and side lights. The rear window "cuts" the tailgate at the sides, creating a simplified, modern glass graphic, while the spoiler at the top of the tailgate brings a contemporary twist, and plays its part in the excellent overall aerodynamic value (0.34 CX).
The stylish Italian design can also be seen in the detailing that makes the 500X truly unique, such as the elegant chrome trim - from the front door handles with their 'moustache' emblem, to the light cluster frames and the luggage compartment handle - or the "Sky Dome" glass sunroof which, adjoining the window, offers a linear, light-filled roof, highlighting the two arches of the pillars.
Completing the new vehicle's exterior style, the wide range of micalised and pastel colours, for a host of pop-inspired customisation options, typical of the 500 DNA, featuring bright, vibrant tones and primary colours such as red, yellow and blue, alongside cooler, more sophisticated lounge options such as greyge, and even, for the leisure version, outdoor tones such as Matt Bronze. Every colour option comes with a selection of complementary interior fabrics or leather, and of course you can count on a dashboard which reflects the outside colour inside. A total of 12 different liveries emphasise the sensual form of the Fiat 500X, further enhanced by the eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
Compact outside, welcoming inside: a spacious, protective environment with extensive use of high quality materials and finishes, and a host of practical storage compartments. Specifically, the passenger compartment of the Fiat 500X features a complete, modern and ergonomic set-up, in a design inspired by the historic 500 look.
A car with character like the Fiat 500X boasts one of its strengths in its driving seat. Once you sit behind the wheel, you immediately notice the excellent instrument layout, the usability and comfort of the controls, all directed towards the driver and grouped by function. The driving experience is even more enveloping thanks to the vertical tilt of the steering wheel, to the H point just 669 mm from the ground (697 mm for four-wheel drive versions), the wraparound seats and the generous leg space.
Based on a cockpit structure, the driver's side features an instrument panel divided into three circular sections, of which the centre section is larger with a metallic trim - clearly reminiscent of the historic Fiat 500 - the ideal combination of retro aesthetic and modern technology. To the sides, two matching quadrants contain the speedometer and rev counter, and at the centre the 3.5" reconfigurable TCT display communicates information to the driver simply and instantly, as well as offering numerous customisation options.
The steering column boasts a new sports shaped steering wheel, which offers improved hand positioning and perfect grip, enhanced with stylish chrome inserts and housing the radio controls to ensure accurate, relaxed driving in any situation. All topped off by the optimum gear lever position on the central tunnel and the comfortable front armrest. The central section of the dashboard also features three of the most frequently used buttons which resemble the little levers on the old 500, while immediately above you'll find the 5" display of the Uconnect system (also available in a 6.5" version with integrated navigation system). To the bottom you'll find the air vents and the climate controls.
Another 500 style feature comes in the new crossover's dashboard which, on the more "urban" version, reflects the outside colour inside. Depending on the trim level, two stylish finishes are available for the central tunnel and the door panels: a geometric pattern born from the revisited Carbon Look or a continuous brushed steel. The same exclusivity characterises the door handles with their classic "hook" shape, reminiscent of the most memorable door feature of the historic 500.
A superlative expression of Italian manufacturing, the new Fiat 500X offers maximum functionality, as demonstrated by the numerous compartments of various sizes spread throughout the passenger compartment. In fact, although the top of the dashboard is tasked with bringing stylish elegance, with its soft, upholstered surfaces, the lower section houses a selection of spacious open storage compartments, as well as medium and small storage boxes to keep your most treasured belongings out of sight.
The 500's extensive storage space includes four spacious door compartments, a large closable box at the bottom of the dashboard and a second box, also lidded, located in the coloured band in front of the passenger seat, embellished with the model's chrome badge, as well as two cup holders on the central tunnel which provide a safe spot to store drinks containers of various sizes. Depending on the trim level, the front centre armrest can also be equipped with a handy storage compartment, as well as being longitudinally adjustable for increased comfort.
There is useful space in front of the gear lever too, where you'll find a special console for storing small objects, that also provides a docking station for your devices (smartphones, MP3 players and more) which, thanks to the USB and Aux-In ports, can be charged or hooked up to the Uconnect system. The front seats also include a handy net pocket to the rear, and the passenger seat boasts a folding backrest: lowering the rear seats using the Fold&Tumble function creates a flat loading surface for the entire length of the passenger compartment, for optimum use of the interior space.
The same versatility is offered by the rear seat with its 60/40 split folding backrest and the spacious luggage compartment (the 350 litre capacity becomes 1000 litres with the rear seats completely folded down). What's more, on request, your 500X can be fitted with a removable load platform which is reversible and height adjustable.
The passenger compartment is a pleasant place to be, offered in no fewer than seven interior configurations, created by combining different types of fabric, leather, finishes and colours, where the surprise lies in the detailing. The interior of the Fiat 500X Pop is black, with panels in grey Scuba, a new material with a sporty, technical touch, similar to neoprene, and the dashboard is available in five body colours. The door panel mouldings and the top section of the tunnel are carbon look.
The Fiat 500X Cross features a hi-tech interior with a more textured dashboard insert, reminiscent of a fusion of cast iron, for a matt, three dimensional effect, as well as a brushed steel effect on the upper deck of the tunnel and the panel mouldings. The same features are also included on the 500X Cross Plus.
Completing the range are two versions available, upon request, with the high class leather upholsteries: both feature a brushed steel effect on the tunnel deck and panel mouldings, and one offers an black ambience with subtle side inserts in red to highlight the vehicle's dynamic nature, while the other features tobacco detailing for a more heritage, traditional look.
A passenger compartment that's undeniably Italian, offering all the on-board wellbeing typical of vehicles in higher segments. The interior benefits from the extensive use of sound-absorbent materials - with the dashboard upholstered in soft-touch fabrics on all versions - as well as a host of technical features such as, for example, the PVB layer inside the windscreen which improves the articulation index, and the acoustic deflectors on the pillars - brand new in the vehicle's segment - created entirely from absorbent foams.
Also contributing the outstanding comfort are the ergonomic seats made mostly from variable density foam for the sides, seat and backrest. As standard, the driver's seat features longitudinal and height adjustment and a reclining backrest. Lumbar adjustment and heated seat function are also available on request. The rear bench - split 60/40 - offers excellent comfort for three passengers and reflects, on all versions, the extreme attention to detail of the front seats.
Depending on the trim level, a choice of upholstery fabrics and colours are available, all with the classic chromatic "breakdown" of the 500 family - single colour fabric to the bottom, and the top section and headrests to match the colour on the door panels and dashboard.
In particular, the Pop versions offer high quality fabrics in black with black inserts, with the headrests and the upper section of the seats in grey Scuba with 500 logo. And 500X Popstar customers can choose from two options: black fabric and inserts with grey Scuba upper section and headrests or black fabric seats with grey inserts, and red top section and headrests. Finally, the Lounge version features two solutions: dark brown with electrowelded fabric inserts and silver 500 logo, or beige upholstery with electrowelded fabric sections and anthracite 500 logo.
Completing the range are the Cross and Cross Plus trim levels, both featuring black fabric upholstery with grey inserts and silver 500 logo. Finally, on request, your 500X can be fitted with high quality leather upholstery in black/red or tobacco, both with silver 500 logo.
To demonstrate the designers' outstanding attention to detail, even the mats in the 500X are unique and exclusive: they feature a print of a map of the Melfi factory, an original way of expressing the pride taken by the Italian manufacturers in creating a high quality product with enormous charm.