Fiat 500X Crossover in the Works, Will Spawn New Mini-Jeep
Fiat is planning a new 500 based crossover, likely called the 500X, that will share its platform with a new small Jeep meant to slot in below both the compass and patriot.
The new Fiat crossover will replace the Fiat Sedici, and become the fourth variant in the Fiat 500 range. It will share Fiat’s small vehicle architecture platform with the Fiat Punto and the 500L (Shown Above). The 500X and the new Jeep, which is going by the codename B-SUV, will be offered with a four wheel drive setup likely borrowed from the Fiat Panda.
The 500X will go on sale in worldwide markets before the new Jeep is introduced in North America, with production slated to begin at Fiat’s plant in Mirafiori, Italy in December 2013. This means that the Jeep B-SUV will likely not start production until mid-2014.
The Jeep should receive a “trail-rated” version thanks to its four wheel drive capability, and is also going to be available with Fiat’s MultiJet diesel engine. A 900cc TwinAir motor and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder are the likely candidates for gasoline engines.
[Source: AutoCar]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
More by Stephen Elmer
Comments
Join the conversation
If the jeep were actually trail capable-which is unlikely, and offered with the 1.3L diesel, I'd strongly consider buying one. But iftrail rated means a dirt road and not the Rubicon i'm not interested. my cherokee runs the Rubicon, so i won't replace it with a faux jeep.
If even a panda 4x4 can cope with much more than a dirt road, it's not unlekely that the small jeep can be a real 4x4. But, for anyone that demands the best of the best, the choice is clear: buy a Land Rover. If it can't get there, nothing does.