Italian car maker, Fiat is planning to showcase its iconic model 500X at 2012 Paris Motor Show, scheduled in September this year. Reportedly, the contender of Fiat will square off against the likes of Mini Countryman, which is a well-appreciated model in itself. The car maker did give a sneak peek of the model in June 2012 at Turin, its home turf, but everything was subject to speculation. However, the latest series of images doing rounds on World Wide Web gives a better perspective of the final production version.
Built along the lines of 500L compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), 500X happens to be the bulkiest model in its series, which is anticipated to be come in daylight towards the second half of 2013.
According to the car maker, this 4.2 metre model will be available in both 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) and 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) chassis. It is expected that the 4WD system will be the one, which is already serving on the Panda 4x4. On the technical front, the powertrain under its bonnet is anticipated to be offered in an option of either company's own TwinAir 900 cc 2-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit or a 1.3 litre Multijet diesel motor.
The recent series of images that appeared on the internet reveals that the new Fiat 500X is the beefed-up version of 500L hatchback model with extensive cosmetic overhaul. And just like the outgoing model, it will be based on the Punto platform and will be able to accommodate five passengers comfortably. However, the main highlights of the new model will be its tall height and wider stance than the Punto and 500L, which will surely do justice to its crossover outlook. The launch of a new model will further add to the Fiat's iconic line-up of 500 series hatchbacks.
What is more intriguing about the new model is that at 4.2 m, it is just a flick above the sub-4 m category. Considering the impending launch of the model in India, car maker can easily place it in the small car category by trimming its front and rear spoiler a little to avail the tax benefits. This will allow Fiat to price its 500X aggressively in the Indian auto industry to gain a decent market share and drive in volumes.
However, everything remains subject to speculations as the car maker may or may not tinker with the length of the new model. And considering that the images of final production version released, it is only a matter of time before the actual specifications of the car too appears on the internet.
