Four variants for 500X

Fiat Australia will offer five models across four grades in its initial roll out of its new 500X compact SUV.

The newcomer, which shares all-strut suspension and mechanicals and is built in the same Melfi (Potenza, Italy) plant as Jeep's new Renegade, goes on sale Down Under in September (2015).

Four front-wheel-drive and a single all-wheel-drive model will comprise the local line-up. Fiat Australia is yet to announce pricing.

At the top of the range, the all-wheel drive 500X Cross Plus and front-drive 500X Lounge will feature a 125kW/250Nm version of Fiat's MultiAir II 1.4-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder matched to a nine-speed automatic. The gearbox is the same high-spec ZF unit used in a number of Jeep and Land Rover models.

At the entry-level, the 500X Pop kicks off proceedings powered by a 103kW/230Nm version of the same powerplant. The Pop is six-speed manual, however, there will be the option of Fiat's new six-speed dual-clutch auto at additional cost.

The mid-range 500X is the Pop Star which matches the Pop in mechanical spec but adds extra equipment. It does not offer a manual option.

Unlike Jeep with Renegade, Fiat has eschewed the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine for its local line-up.

The 500X's all-wheel drive system also differs from the Jeep's fully off-road capable set-up. Instead, Fiat uses a 'Traction Plus' electronic brake traction control system that the company claims "improves grip on rough, slippery terrain, and costs less and has lower emissions than a conventional four- wheel drive, proving more efficient in light, everyday off-road use".

Fiat Australia will announce full grade equipment details in coming days. It claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.6sec for the 125kW vehicles, with the 103kW Pop and Pop Star pegged at 9.8sec. No local fuel consumption stats have been confirmed.

The company defines the front-drive models as "more urban-focused", while the Cross Plus gets a body kit and tweaks to suit "those with an adventurous spirit"... Think plastic cladding and bigger bumpers.

There's a noticeable different in ride-height across the variants too. The 'H-point' of the standard 500X models places the driver's hip 669mm off the ground, while the AWD Cross Plus adds 28mm (697). The lift is a product of suspension and wheel and tyre changes.

Sharing wheelbase (2570), track (1545 fr/rr) and the like with the Renegade, in front-drive trim the 500X is just 4248mm long. In comparison, the offroad version all but matches Mazda's new CX-3 (4275) at 4273mm. The Mazda's wheelbase is identical. Renault's comparable model, Captur is considerably shorter than the pair at 4122mm overall but has a 36mm longer wheelbase (2606).

Inside the 500X's cabin, Fiat is making much of its "extensive use of high-grade materials, top quality finishes and practical storage compartments".

The 500 theme is leveraged with large painted plastic detailing across the dash. Overall it's attractive – if you buy into the Cinquecento ideal.

Luggage capacity is stated as 350 litres with the 60:40 split-fold 'Fold&Tumble' rear bench in position. Like many FCA group vehicles, the 500X also features a fold-flat front passenger seat.

Infotainment is handled via a mid-instrument panel 3.5-inch driver-focussed screen and, on higher-spec models, the choice of 5.0 or 6.5-inch Uconnect central satnav and audio system display.

A high-output 'Beats by Dre' audio system is standard on Lounge and Cross Plus trim levels.

Safety equipment includes stability control with Dynamic Steering Torque active steering, anti-lock brakes and seven airbags. Auto demist functions, rear camera and blind spot detection are standard on all but the base grade. High-grade models add Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Fiat's Lane Departure Warning system.  

motoring.com.au drove the 500X at its European launch in November last year and again last week post Geneva motor show. Our latest drive impressions are embargoed and will be published next week.