Fiat has published a brief teaser video that previews a brand new crossover called 500X. Set to debut next month at the Paris Motor Show, the soft-roader is part of Fiat’s on-going effort to build a sub-lineup of models around the 500 city car.
The 500X will ride on the same platform as Jeep’s entry-level Renegade, and the two crossovers will be built on the same assembly line. However, the teaser video suggests the 500X will eschew the Renegade’s rugged design in favor of a much softer look that will be noticeably inspired by the aforementioned 500.
Related: Audi’s upcoming entry-level Q1 crossover
The 500X and the Renegade are expected to share most mechanical components. That means entry-level models will use a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine tuned to generate 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while more expensive variants will be powered by Chrysler’s familiar Tigershark 2.4-liter four rated at 184 ponies and 177 pound-feet of twist.
The smaller engine will be linked to a six-speed manual transmission, and the Tigershark mill will exclusively be offered with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel drive models will be available.
Full details about the Fiat 500X will emerge in the weeks leading up to its public debut in the French capital. The 500X will land in Fiat showrooms in the United States next year, likely as a 2016 model.
