Northeast States’ Foul Weather to Help Fiat Dealers with 500X Sales

The 2016 Fiat 500X that was just launched in the States at the LA Auto Show is the brand’s first all-wheel drive model to be offered here. The company hopes that its increased traction will help sales in US areas, such as the Northeast, where the weather can get notoriously bad.

The head of the Fiat brand for North America, Jason Stoicevich, told Autonews: “Today for Fiat, California is our number one market and Texas and Florida tie for second. But the biggest opportunity for us with the 500X is where we get some inclement weather.”

Fiat’s compact crossover is available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations. In the latter, the AWD system sends torque to the rear wheels automatically, when loss of traction at the front axle is detected, while the driver can choose one of three modes, namely Auto, Sport and Traction+.

“Not only do you get size and functionality, but capability with the all-wheel drive”, Stoicevich added. “That’s a big one for us.”

The 500X is available in five trim levels and its engine range comprises of two four-cylinder units: a 160HP 1.4-liter turbocharged that’s couple to a six-speed manual gearbox and a 180HP 2.4-liter with a nine-speed auto.

The small crossover that shares its platform and many other components with the Jeep Renegade will hit US showrooms in the first half of 2015.