To ensure the protection of its occupants, the new Fiat 500X offers the finest in currently available active and passive safety systems. The entire range features as standard 6 airbags (front, window-bag and side), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and fog lights with "cornering" function.
In addition, depending on the trim level and market, the advanced Lane Assist lane departure warning system and Blind Spot Assist, a lane change assistance system to get around blind spots, are available as standard or on request. On request, your 500X can also be fitted with the new ParkView rear reversing camera and the "Brake Control" assisted braking system.
Braking system
The Fiat 500X's hydraulic, power-assisted braking system comprises two independent, crossover circuits and has proven particularly effective in allowing prompt, progressive braking, as well as shorter stopping distances. Of course, the system differs from one engine version to the next (in terms of weight and power): cars equipped with the 1.4 Turbo MultiAir and the 1.6 Multijet are fitted, on the front wheels, with 281 mm self-ventilating front brake discs, while the 500X with 2.0 Multijet features 305 mm self-ventilating discs. For all engine options, the rear discs measure 278 mm in diameter.
ABS complete with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
As well as a high performing brake system, the Fiat 500X is fitted with the ABS anti-lock system complete with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), which distributes the braking action over all four wheels, in order to stop the wheels locking and ensuring complete vehicle control in all conditions. The system adapts its operation according to the wheel grip conditions and to the brake pad efficiency, also reducing brake pad overheating.
Brake Control
One of the most innovative features available on the new Fiat 500X is the "Brake Control" assisted braking system, which uses radar sensors and video to detect if the car is approaching another vehicle or obstacle too quickly and alerts or assists the driver in order to avoid impact or mitigate the consequences.
Brake Control operates between 7 km/h and 200 km/h, generating acoustic and visual warnings, as well as a brief deceleration to alert the driver. If the driver does not react, the system brakes the vehicle to avoid or mitigate impact.
Operating independently, the system is capable of avoiding collisions with stationary objects at speeds of up to 30 km/h and objects moving in the same direction if the relative speed is below 50 km/h. In other cases, the system mitigates the collision, but also alerts the driver, who then has the chance to react and avoid impact.
The driver has the option to adjust the system sensitivity to one of three levels, or to disable the alerts he or she prefers. The system meets the safety requirements of both American body NHTSA and EuroNCAP.
Lane Assist
This system uses the camera's optical sensor to establish the road position of the 500X with respect to the horizontal markings present on the road surface. In the case of an unintentional lane change, which the system recognises if the vehicle changes trajectory without activating the direction indicators, a visual alert is issued along with a tactile signal sent by the electric power steering (EPS). If the driver does not react promptly, the system issues a second visual alert.
The system can apply torque to the steering wheel to counteract the unintentional lane change.
Lane Assist operates at speeds of between 60 and 180 km/h and can be activated by the driver.
Blind Spot Assist and Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection
Blind Spot Assist uses ultra broadband radar sensors that assist the driver during lane changes and when the car is overtaken or overtakes a vehicle concealed from view. The system notifies the driver of the presence of vehicles in blind spots using illuminated icons on the side mirrors and by activating an acoustic signal selected by the driver. When reversing out of a parking space, the system also informs the driver when it detects vehicles approaching from the side.
Adaptive Cruise Control (available after launch)
Once activated, Adaptive Cruise Control reduces the vehicle's programmed cruising speed when it approaches another vehicle in the same lane or when another vehicle enters the same lane. The system returns to the programmed speed when the vehicle in front accelerates or moves to another lane. The system also maintains a certain distance from the vehicle in front, adjustable by the driver, which is particularly useful in adverse weather conditions or situations where visibility is reduced.
ParkView rear reversing camera
Displayed on the screen of the UconnectTM 5.0" or UconnectTM 6.5" device, the camera offers a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, thus allowing the driver to reverse more safely and with greater peace of mind. A dynamic line grid to use as reference for parking manoeuvres in tight spots and narrow spaces is displayed on the screen. The system is also useful for aligning a trailer for hook-up.
Keyless Entry & Keyless Go
When you approach the car and pull the door handle, the "Keyless Entry & Keyless Go" system's electronic control unit checks whether the key is in the vicinity and, on recognising the secret codes transmitted via radio frequency, unlocks the door. And with the door unlocked, all you need to do is get behind the wheel and start the engine by pressing the button on the dashboard.
Using ultrasound sensors, the system detects objects close to the vehicle during reverse parking at low speed. If a collision is established as imminent, the system alerts the driver on the instrument panel and with an acoustic signal.
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist helps the driver during hill starts by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied by the driver for a short period after the brake pedal is released. If the driver does not accelerate during this short period, the system will release the braking pressure.
ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)
An anti-slip system which optimises traction at any speed, with the help of the brakes and engine management, allowing the Fiat 500X to cope easily on poor grip road surfaces.
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
When there is a brisk gear shift in poor grip conditions, the MSR function intervenes, restoring engine torque and preventing the wheels from locking, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control.
DST (Driving Steering Torque)
This system improves both driving safety and handling performance. In fact, in any driving conditions, the "active electronic steering" carries out the required corrections automatically and also controls oversteer on poor grip surfaces.
Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM)
ERM intervenes when a wheel leaves the road surface: in fact, whenever an extreme dynamic movement is detected, the ERM helps to restabilise the vehicle and returns control of the car to the driver.
Electronic Park Brake
The system comprises of a parking brake switch in the centre console, a motor on the calliper of each rear wheel and an electronic control module. Four operating modes are available: static and release actioning, dynamic actioning in case of emergency, set-off release when starting and SafeHold.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The TPMS informs the driver that the tyre pressure is too low. The system uses sensors and the ESC control unit to establish whether one or more tyres are flat, by manipulating the angular velocity delta of the wheels.
Automatic Demisting
Automatic Demisting allows the Fiat 500X's Automatic Temperature Control system (ATC) to measure the humidity level inside the vehicle and automatically demist the windscreen without any intervention by the driver.
Automatic headlights
Headlights switch on and off automatically depending on the exterior light and, when combined with the active safety system package, also offer the "Auto High Beam" function which switches main beam headlamps to dipped beam when another vehicle approaches.