Fiat plans 500X crossover 03 | 04 | 2012

FIAT IS PLANNING a crossover version of its super-successful 500. Expected to be badged the 500X, the newcomer will essentially be a replacement for the Fiat Sedici.

With a wheelbase of around 4200mm, the 500X will be the longest model in the Fiat 500 range. Insiders have stated the new model will also share its small vehicle architecture with the 500L and Punto.

There will be one Multijet diesel version, plus the choice of either a 900cc TwinAir unit and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol.

Fiat reveals extended 500

The 500X — which will join the 500 hatchback, 500C convertible and the 500L four-door hatchback — will become the first of the new-generation 500s to be produced in Italy when production starts in Turin.

And Fiat has also admitted the 500X will be available with a choice of either two- or four-wheel drive configurations. It's naturally expected the 500X will share the 4x4 technology which will appear on the Panda 4x4.

Read our roadtest of the Fiat Panda TwinAir

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Jim McGill