Fiat has just announced that they're bringing the slightly face-lifted 500X to Canada, along with an all-new 1.3L turbo engine. Coming with that engine is a significantly higher base price, up $8,550, reflecting also the addition of added features including all-wheel drive on the base model.
The exterior changes here aren't big. The front fascia is slightly tweaked, with new LED running lights and optional full LED headlights. Fiat says that the new lights let you spot obstacles up to four seconds sooner at 90 km/h. There are LED taillights too. Inside, changes are a little more substantial.
There's a new instrument cluster that gets improved graphics. The steering wheel is new as well. And the seats get a new available premium fabric. Adaptive cruise and front park assist join the options list.
The 500X gets a new version of FCA's Uconnect infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Fiat says the system has faster start-up and sharper graphics.
The biggest change is under the hood. A 1.3L turbo-four offers up 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of low-end torque. It replaces both the 1.4L turbo four and 2.4L naturally aspirated four from last year. It offers just a few hp less than the 2.4 (180) but 17 more pounds-feet than the 1.4. More importantly, it offers 26 lb-ft more than the old 1.4 and 35 more than the 2.4.
All-wheel drive is standard, with a disconnecting rear axle to improve fuel economy when it's not needed. A nine-speed automatic is the only gearbox choice.
For 2019, that new engine and standard all-wheel drive mean a big price hike for the base 500X. The Pop trim is now $31,995. That's $8,550 more than last year, which was front-drive only. The old Sport trim is gone, and Trekking now starts at $32,995. That's actually down slightly ($200) from last year's with AWD. Finally, the new top trim is the Trekking Plus at $33,995.
2019 Fiat 500X Canadian pricing:
Pop $31,995
Trekking $32,995
Trekking Plus $33,995
You may also like
