The Evolution of Fiat and the 500X

Fiat’s return to the US market in 2010 was something that many American car enthusaists were less than thrilled about. With Chrysler on the verge of bankruptcy, tensions between the UAW and the United States government prompted Uncle Sam to once again overextend his reach by forcing the American car company to sell to an overseas manufacturer. This meant that all of the brands that existed under their banner went to Fiat as well. Would Chrysler have been better off if they were allowed to go bankrupt and start over from scratch? Perhaps. But it’s hard to deny that their vehicle performance has drastically improved since their “merger”. It’s also allowed Fiat access to the American market for their own vehicles. While sales for the 500 and 500L have slowly declined in the last few years, it would seem the Italian automaker is determined to show Americans that they have more to offer to mainstream customers.

The 500X is a crossover with plenty of curves. Its design stays close to the original, but it’s far from it. Built on the same global platform as the Jeep Renegade, the stance and proportions place it on an entirely different level than its precursors and looks even better out on the road. Its dimensions include a 101.2 inch wheelbase, a width of 70.7 inches, a height of 63.1 inches, and an estimated curb weight of 3050-3550 pounds, giving it a possible fuel efficiency rating of 29 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it both comfortable and practical. But that’s hardly the best thing about this car.

If there’s one thing Fiat has done right in the American market, it’s the high level of customization they now offer to customers with performance and interior packages. The 500X comes with optional touch screen settings, heated seats and steering wheel, back-up camera, upgraded audio, and a manual transmission for those of you who still remember how to do that. On the inside, all 500X models are leagues better than previous Fiat models. Fiat estimates that about 40 percent of buyers will choose the all-wheel-drive system with rear-axle disconnect, but the two “off-roading” versions offer little you can’t get at a cheaper price with Jeep.

With its 2.4 liter engine and 9-speed automatic transmission, it puts out 180 horsepower with 175 lb-ft of torque, an impressive feat for a vehicle of its size. Designed with the American market in mind, the 500X is both spacious and comes with an available all-wheel-drive option for anybody feeling daring enough to do something that requires it. Where the 500 and 500L were designed for the tight crowded roads of Europe, the 500X feels less compact and handles American roads with all the finesse one would expect from a vehicle touching the $20,000 price range. While the car is definitely one of Fiat’s better attempts, it’s hard to say if people will bite. It’s expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in May and could be Fiat’s last chance to fix their sinking brand. That being said, it’s a step in the right direction.

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