A Fiat source told Automotive News Europe that the new model will have a blend of SUV and hatchback styling. Its wheelbase of around 4200mm will make it the longest model in the Fiat 500 family and it will share Fiat’s small vehicle architecture with the 500L and Punto.
The 500X will join the 500 hatchback, 500C convertible and the 500L four-door hatchback. The Sedici is currently built alongside the Suzuki SX4 in Hungary. It is expected Fiat will build the 500X in Mirafiori, Turin and will be the first of the new-generation 500s to be produced in Italy.
The move to Mirafiori is part of a €1bn expansion of the plant. Fiat plans to build 280,000 crossovers a year with production beginning in December 2013.
Jeep’s sister car, codenamed B-SUV, will be built in Poland for European markets and in Toluca, Mexico for America and China. Fittingly, both Jeep and Fiat models will be offered with two and four wheel drive. The latter configuration is likely to be borrowed from the forthcoming Panda 4x4.
It is thought a Trail Rated version of the Jeep will be offered, which is important to the American market. The certification ensures models are able to perform in five categories of off-road conditions: traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation, and water fording.
The Fiat 500X and Jeep B-SUV will be available with Fiat’s MultiJet diesel. A 900cc TwinAir unit and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder are expected to form the petrol line-up.
