This is the only public appearance of the 500X. It happened in 2012 at the 500L official presentation. The final version isn’t expected to change a lot.
The Fiat 500 celebrates one more year. On July 4th 2007 the brand presented the current model and 7 years later it continues to be a success and the starting point for an extended family. Since that date, Fiat fixed the 4th of July as the official date for the first presentation of a new 500 version or derivates. That’s how we saw the 500C, the Abarth versions, the 500L, and the 500L Living last year. But this year nothing special happened and the public was expecting to see the all-new Fiat 500X. After the Jeep Renegade presentation at Geneva motor show, car enthusiasts were waiting to see its twin as it should had been. Unfortunately Fiat has postponed the official presentation till Paris Autoshow in October 2014.
The car should be officially revealed some days before the Paris auto show.
The Fiat 500X is expected to hit the market in the final quarter of this year and is supposed to help Fiat to get back some lost market share during the last years. It will be the first stylish small SUV and will use several personalization ideas of the classic 500. Fiat will produce it at Melfi plant, in Italy, along with the Renegade and wants to sell around 120.000 units/year. By the few information there is in the web and the spy pics, it’s likely to be a success. First were the French market that was captivated by the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. The Renault has been such a success that last month it was France second best-selling car and the brand had to increase the production levels to meet the increasing demand in many European markets. The Fiat 500X is going to play an important role in the Italian market as it will be the chance for many Italians to have their first SUV, and for FCA as it is supposed to slowly replace the Punto’s production in Melfi. Besides it is going to be the second European-made Fiat to be exported into the US (after the 500L).
Taken from EMEA Region, Investor day, May 2014.
Regarding its characteristics, the 500X will become the lighter and stylish option in the B-SUV offer for the group. The Renegade will be positioned as the true small SUV based on its boxy and aggressive design, and its engine/gearbox options. In terms of design, the Fiat 500X will look like the 500 more than the 500L, with a front bonnet almost as curved as the city-car’s while a rear view almost as inclined as the 500’s. The brand should position it one step behind the Mini Countryman, so it can find more clients. Prices should start at 17/18.000 euros.
Fiat Group World 