The race for subcompact supremacy in the United States is expected to get even tighter when Fiat introduces the 500X into its lineup next year. Developed with Mini’s Countryman squarely in its cross-hairs, Fiat is looking to knock its Anglo/Teutonic competitor off of the pedestal is currently sits on stateside. Like the 500L which was unveiled back at the Geneva Auto Show this year, Fiat says the letter incorporated into the name stands for something. The “L” in 500L stands for “large” and now the “X” on the 500X will represent “cross,” the new model’s ability to act as an SUV.
The 500X will incorporate both SUV and hatchback styling while still being based off Fiat’s three-door subcompact. The 500X is expected to join an Americanized Fiat lineup that already includes the 500 three-door hatchback, the Abarth, the 500C convertible (hence the “C”), and the 500L which should be coming stateside shortly. An electrified version of the tiny 500 is also planned to join Fiat’s U.S. lineup sometime next year bumping the Italian automaker’s stateside to six vehicles…any guesses as to what Fiat will name it?
The 500X will check in at somewhere just over 13.5 feet and will be powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine while Europe’s version will also get a diesel mill along with its gasoline-powered sibling. Fiat’s latest attempt to take on the Countryman is expected to enter production at the end of next year.
Jeep is also adding another small SUV in 2014 that will undersize the Patriot and Compass. Code-named the “B-SUV,” Jeep’s latest small SUV will go on sale here in the U.S. starting in 2014. Both the B-SUV and 500X will both be available in front- and all-wheel drive with Jeep’s model getting the “Trail Rated” badge as well.
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