The new FIAT 500X Hybrid has been presented in society. FIAT’s popular SUV finally succumbs to electrification and incorporates an electrified gasoline engine with 48-volt light hybrid technology into its range. It boasts notable savings in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, it happens to show off the ECO label.
FIAT continues with the process of electrification of its range of models. The latest model that has succumbed to electrification is neither more nor less than the only SUV marketed by the manufacturer. The new FIAT 500X Hybrid has been presented in society. The very interesting Italian SUV uses light hybridization to become a more efficient vehicle.
Sales of the 500X have recently surpassed 750,000 registrations globally. A model that, let us remember, experienced its launch in society back in 2014. Now, with the introduction of the new 500X Hybrid, the SUV adapts to the new times in the Old Continent. Times marked by electrification and sustainable mobility.
The design and equipment of the new FIAT 500X Hybrid
The launch of the new Model Year 2022 has been a slight renovation of the exterior appearance. The front starts to show off the new 500 logo while the back includes an inscription with the brand name. In addition, and to differentiate itself from the rest of the versions that make up the range, the 500X Hybrid model incorporates a new badge on the rear.
The 500X range It is made up of the Cult, Club, Cross and Sport trim levels. To this we must add two body variants, among which is the Dolcevita model with a soft top.
Among the optional equipment available for the new 500X Hybrid stands out the list of driving assistance systems. Fatigue alert, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assistant, lane control and blind spot detection are some of the technologies. Other features to highlight are the keyless entry and start system and the rear view camera.
The light hybrid engine of the new FIAT 500X Hybrid
Under the hood of the new 500X Hybrid is a 1.5-litre FireFly four-cylinder petrol engine which develops a power of 130 hp and 240 Nm of maximum torque. An electrification block with 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) technology. The 48-volt electric motor is capable of developing 15 kW (20 hp). It is driven through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The power is sent to the front axle.
The power of the gasoline engine is supported by the BSG electric motor with silent start and by the electric motor that allows to improve both efficiency and dynamics. In addition, it should be noted that it is the first hybrid FIAT to use the electric motor, completely disconnecting the gasoline engine. Only in the WLTP urban cycle, the improvement percentage rises to 62%. The result is a gasoline engine that consumes less than a diesel. Specifically, 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers compared to 5.4 l/100 km of the 500X 1.6 diesel engine. The CO2 emissions are up to 11% lower.
He is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and, depending on the state of charge of the battery and the conditions, the car may drive in fully electric mode. For example, the starting is in 100% electric mode and the energy can also be used for the e-creeping function, carrying out a series of short movements forward without pressing the accelerator, for example, in a traffic jam (e-queuing ). The car can also be parked in electric mode (e-parking).
Last but not least, is the fact that, as an SUV with a mild hybrid engine, the new 500X Hybrid will sport the ECO environmental label from the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) with all the mobility advantages that this entails.
Launch date and production of the new FIAT 500X Hybrid
The manufacturing process of the new 500X Hybrid will take place in the facilities that Stellantis has in Melfi (Italy). The order book will be officially opened immediately in the main European markets and the first units will be available in dealerships from April.