Fiat is going to release a crossover version of the 500 minicar next year, according to sources that spoke with Automotive News Europe. The new 500 crossover will be dubbed the 500X, with the letter X standing for cross.
The 500X will be sold alongside the 500 hatchback, 500 Abarth, 500C convertible and 500L four-door models when it enters production in December 2013. The 500X will be the longest version in the 500 family, which will use a widened version of Fiat’s small vehicle architecture that is also the basis for the 500L and Punto subcompact.
The 500X will be offered with front and all-wheel-drive and will also be built alongside a new Jeep small SUV, codenamed B-SUV. The new Jeep SUV will be smaller than the Jeep Compass and Patriot models and will be sold both in the U.S. and Europe.
In Europe the 500X will replace the Sedici in Fiat’s lineup.
