The Fiat 500X is set to be replaced by a new SUV that will offer the option of an electric powertrain, and it’s been spied testing in Europe.
The exterior styling appears to be an evolution over the outgoing 500X, with a similar shape and 500-inspired design elements retained like the big round headlights and rectangular tail lights.
However, the interior is quite a bit different from the outgoing SUV. There’s a large, circular instrument cluster – shades of Mini – along with a rectangular, tablet-style touchscreen sitting atop the centre stack.
The new crossover is expected to share its platform with the recently revealed Jeep Avenger, as well as other Stellantis models like the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 2008.
It’s set to enter production at Stellantis’ plant in Tychy, Poland alongside the Avenger and an upcoming entry-level Alfa Romeo crossover.
Judging by the advanced state of this prototype, a reveal could take place this year.
It’s unclear just how large the Fiat SUV could be. The Jeep Avenger measures just 4.08m long, while a Peugeot 2008 is 4.3m long. The outgoing 500X is somewhere in the middle at 4.24m long.
While all vehicles on the Common Modular Platform are front-wheel drive, Jeep has previewed an all-wheel drive version of its Avenger.
If the Fiat follows its Jeep sibling, it will use a 115kW/260Nm electric motor and a 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion battery.
Claimed electric range in the Avenger is 400km on the stricter WLTP cycle, while it has a 400V electrical system and supports DC charging at up to 100kW.
In markets like Italy and Spain, the Avenger is also offered with a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 74kW of power, mated with a six-speed manual transmission.
Peugeot recently revealed a new mild-hybrid 1.2-litre three-pot to replace this engine in its vehicles, and given Stellantis’ propensity for platform and part sharing and Fiat’s plans to offer combustion power until 2030, it could filter into other models.
The 101kW/230Nm Miller cycle turbo three-pot is paired with a 21kW/55Nm electric motor, which can provide an extra 9kW of power to the engine under full acceleration.
The motor, inverter, and ECU are all housed in the electrified six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The 48V lithium-ion battery is installed under the front left seat.
Peugeot says there is completely electric driving capacity, albeit only to “start, manoeuvre and drive at low speed in heavy traffic”, which Peugeot says still accounts for more than 50 per cent of urban driving. The car can also coast with the petrol engine off.
Jeep Avenger
Fiat Fastback
Fiat 500X
Abarth Pulse
While the Fiat 500X is still offered in markets like Europe and the US, it was axed locally in 2021 as the brand “refocused towards consumer preferences”.
Fiat now sells only the ageing 500 city car and large Ducato van, though it will finally gain a new model this year with the electric 500e.
The 500X is Fiat’s only SUV in Europe, unless you count versions of the Panda and Tipo with plastic cladding affixed.
In Latin America, where Fiat enjoys a strong presence and a wider range – it’s the number one brand in Brazil, for example – it also offers the Pulse and Fastback ‘coupe SUV’.
Keyword: Fiat's new electric small SUV taking shape