Paris Motor Show 2014: Fiat reveals 500X

Fiat has revealed the 500X – a crossover version of its popular retro hatchback. The 500X rides on the same platform as the recently launched Jeep Renegade – which means it should be a genuinely capable off road. The 500X is due on sale in the UK in late Spring 2015 and should cost from around £16,000.

The 500X has more rugged styling than the standard 500, with black plastic body mouldings and a higher ride height, plus roof rails and a bluff front end. The 500X is a four-door, rather than a two-door. Wheels are 16-, 17- or 18-inch.

The 500X will be offered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a range of familiar Fiat engines. These include 1.3-litre, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre MultiJet diesels, plus 1.4-litre MultiAir petrols. Transmissions are five- and six-speed manuals, along with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic and a nine-speed torque convertor automatic.

Fiat is to offer up-to-date safety equipment including lane departure warning, blind spot assist and a parking camera. There is also a UConnect infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and TomTom navigation, which can be controlled with voice commands.