Fiat Brand Introduces New 500X Sport Model For Europe:
This One Isn't Just An Appearance Package...
The FIAT brand is expanding its 500X lineup in Europe with the introduction of the new Fiat 500X Sport. The introduction of the new model offers a more sporty alternative to popular 500X in one of Europe’s fastest-growing automotive segments with more than 500,000 units a year. But, the new Fiat 500X Sport is more than just some new bumpers were thrown onto an existing model. So let’s take a look at what makes the Fiat 500X Sport, so unique.
The new 500X Sport sits on the top of the 500X lineup and offers more technical innovations to give the vehicle more driving precision and control. Starting off with the suspension, the vehicle sits 13 mm lower compared to other 500X versions. FCA engineers then gave the 500X Sport a different steering system calibration, which gives the Sport a more precise and responsive feel. Front and rear shock absorbers were adjusted with the use of Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, which gives the vehicle better road handling at higher-speeds, better handling, without compromising comfort.
Handling plays an important role to the 500X Sport, as its new sport suspension greatly enhances the responsiveness of entry into the curves, with reduced understeer by 26%, as well as oversteer in extreme conditions by 17%. This opens up a whole new driving dynamic to the compact crossover giving buyers a new reason to take their 500X on twisty roads.
Building off of the already stylish 500X, that was recently updated in the 2019 model year, the 500X Sport features some exclusive exterior changes for the model. A unique body-colored front fascia with Titanium Gray accents, full-LED lighting, body-colored mirror caps, body-colored wheel arches, and a new body-colored rear bumper design with “diffuser” help give the vehicle more athletic looks. Unique “Sport” badging is added to the front fenders, while the “500X” logo is refitted with a dark Myron look. A new dual chrome exhaust is exclusive to the Sport model.
The 500X Sport also features a unique Mopar 19-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with 255/40 performance tires. The combination of the new wheel design and the lowered stance, give the 500X Sport a much sleeker and aggressive look over the rest of the 500X lineup.
Inside, the 500X Sport doesn’t disappoint with a number of exclusive features as well. The design team incorporated new graphics specific to the 500X Sport on the vehicle’s thin-film-transistor (TFT) screen, an aluminum gear shifter knob, techno-leather sports steering wheel, Titanium Gray dashboard trim, other accents in Myron and Red Seduction finishes are also highlighted. While the 500X Sport features new and exclusive black fabric seats with vinyl inserts and gray “500” logo, black vinyl bezel, and the specific stitching in Gray or Red, a completely new interior option adds seats in black leather with finishes in titanium gray, in addition to the aluminum sport pedals and front mats with specific stitching. 500X Sport can also be equipped with an Alcantara covering for the steering wheel and the instrument panel cover with red stitching.
Technology is also a big part in the 500X Sport’s design. The 500X Sport comes standard with features like Lane Assist, Speed Advisor, and Traffic Sign Recognition. A 7-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen with Navigation is also standard and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic climate control, cruise control, ParkSense rear parking sensors, and an electric parking brake also come standard as well.
The 500X Sport comes with the 1.3-liter “Firefly” turbocharged four-cylinder, the same engine found as standard equipment on the North American version. However, the European model is tuned for 150 horsepower compared to our 177 horsepower version. The 500X Sport adds a double-clutch automatic transmission to the 1.3-liter for more of a performance feel. Compared to the 500X Cross model with the same, powertrain option on 18-inch wheels, the 500X Sport registers an 8% increase in lateral acceleration.
While the 1.3-liter turbo might be the obvious choice for many. The other European 500X powertrains are available for 500X Sport buyers. An available gasoline-fueled 120 horsepower 1.0-liter turbo with 6-speed manual transmission joins the 1.3-liter, while the 95 horsepower 1.3-liter Multijet turbo diesel with 5-speed manual transmission and the 120 horsepower 1.6-liter Multijet turbo diesel with either a 6-speed manual or automatic dual-clutch transmission 6-speed gearbox are also available.
While the North American 500X models come standard with all-wheel-drive (AWD), the European models are standard with front-wheel-drive (FWD).
The 500X Sport will be available in five colors, Italia Blue, Darkwave Black, Bossa Nova White, Heavy Metal Gray, and 500X Sport exclusive Seduzione Red.
What do you think of the new Fiat 500X Sport? Leave a comment below.
Fiat 500X Sport Image Gallery:
