THIS IS THE 2015 FIAT 500X

Fiat has a lot to prove, especially with American buyers. The 500 has been a solid global success. The 500L? Not so much. But now there’s the 500X, which has just debuted at this year’s Paris Motor Show. This new crossover is actually a close cousin to the Jeep Renegade. Instead of those angles and tough, outdoorsy appearance, the 500X is Euro slick and stylish. What’s more, customers can chose from 12 different liveries that "emphasizes the sensual form of the 500X, further enhanced by the eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels."Power will come from a choice of three engines: a 1.4-liter Turbo MultiAir II with 140 horsepower, a 1.6-liter MultiJet II with 120 hp, and a 2.0-liter MultiJet II with 140 hp. A six-speed manual and optional nine-speed automatic are the sole gearbox options. Four-wheel-drive is also available. Later on, a 1.6-liter, 110 hp “E-torQ” will be available along with a more powerful 2.4-liter Tigershark with 184 hp. Europe will also get a pair of diesels. The 500X is also the first Fiat to feature a nine-speed automatic, the very same unit found in the Jeep Cherokee. Some features include a new "Drive Mood Selector," which changes the response of the car’s engine, brakes, steering, and transmission. The settings are Auto, Sport, and All Weather.

All 500X trims receive six airbags, daytime running lights, fog lights with a cornering function, and electronic stability control. Options include a lane-departure warning system, blind-spot assist, and a reverse-view camera. The interior is available in seven different finishes, with fabric, leather and various colors to choose from. The 5.0-inch UConnect system can be had with Tom Tom navigation and a Beats sound system is also optional.Production will take place in Italy and the 2015 Fiat 500X will be sold in more than 100 countries. Sales will likely begin in mid-2015.