The all-new Fiat 500X will ride on Stellantis underpinnings, coming with a larger footrpint and electrified powertrains
October 9, 2022 at 11:34
by Thanos Pappas
This story includes speculative renderings of the next-gen Fiat 500X created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops that are neither related to nor endorsed by Fiat or Stellantis.
Fiat is planning on a new model spree utilizing Stellantis’ parts bin in order to expand to more segments. Among the newcomers, we expect an all-new second-gen Fiat 500X that is rumored to debut in 2024 with a larger footprint compared to its predecessor, positioning it in the popular and quite competitive compact SUV segment.
The Fiat 500X is one of the longest-running models in the current Stellantis SUV portfolio, still based on the old FCA Small Wide platform. In fact, the SUV was introduced in 2014 as a sibling to the Jeep Renegade and remains on sale following a number of styling and mechanical updates with the most important being a facelift in 2018. While the design of the 500X has admittedly aged well, it is about time for a clean-sheet design after so many years in the market.
Also Read: Fiat Offers A Single Trim For All Models With A Three-Step Configuration Process
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Fiat has confirmed it will unveil a new supermini and three new crossovers by 2027. It is rumored that a “chic and urban” Fiat 600 will be among those, taking the role of the 500X in the B-SUV segment. Instead of disappearing though, the new generation of the 500X is expected to grow in size, from the current model’s 4,248 mm (167.2 inches) to a more generous 4,400 mm (173.2 inches) helping it move to the C-SUV segment. Something similar will most likely happen with the equivalent Jeep Avenger and the larger next-gen Renegade.
While it is still early to talk about styling since we haven’t spied any camouflaged prototypes of the Fiat 500X on the streets, our associates created speculative renderings of the SUV based on the Italian brand’s evolved design language. As hinted by the New 500 EV, Fiat will likely keep the retro-flavored lines of the 500X, infused with modern styling cues in the full-LED lighting units. Fiat recently announced a simplified trim structure so we don’t know if the company will retain all of the different variants of the 500X including the spicy Sport, the adventurous Cross, and the stylish Cabrio that are currently on offer.
The larger footrpint will have a positive effect on cabin space. Thus, the new 500X will become more family-friendly with more space for the rear passengers and a larger boot for their luggage. Standard tech from Fiat’s portfolio will be included in the equipment, with a digital cockpit, the latest infotainment, and an array of ADAS bringing the 500X on par with the newer members of the competition.
An Affordable Compact SUV On Stellantis Underpinnings
While the design is still kept under wraps, it is easy to guess what is going to happen with the underpinnings of the new 500X. All FCA-sourced components will die with the current generation, replaced by a more modern platform by Stellantis. The most plausible scenario is that Fiat will use a stretched version of the evolved CMP/eCMP architecture, instead of the larger EMP2. This would make the new Fiat 500X a sibling to the Citroen C4 and C4 X compact models, allowing it to be more affordable than most rival C-SUVs.
In terms of powertrains, the new 500X will be focused on electrification. There will be at least one mild-hybrid option since both Peugeot’s updated 1.2 PureTech and Fiat’s 1.5 Firefly are now mated to a 48V system for lower fuel consumption and reduced C02 emissions. Extended periods with the combustion engine turned off thanks to the battery will allow EV coasting under certain driving scenarios.
Fiat wants to go EV-only by 2030 so it is safe to assume there will be a fully-electric variant of the new 500X. The latter could be fitted with Stellantis’ recently upgraded electric motor producing 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) and 260 Nm (191 lb-ft) torque, alongside the 54 kWh battery which is already used in an array of models.
The all-new Fiat 500X will not only replace the current model but serve as an indirect replacement for the aging Tipo and all of its bodystyle variants, becoming Fiat’s all-rounder proposal in the compact segment. The debut of the model is rumored for 2024 with a market launch in 2025. Production will likely take place in Kragujevac, Serbia, following Stellatis’ recent investment.
