The 500X Hybrid completes the electrification of the Fiat brand, together with the Tipo powered by the same powertrain. This is the same solution that made its debut with the Jeep Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid and is also offered by the compact Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV, in this case in two power variants. This powertrain is a bit mild hybrid 48V and a bit full hybrid, because it is able to provide electric drive in some situations of use, albeit briefly. This is a different technology from that used by the 500 Hybrid sedan and Cabriolet, which is a classic mild hybrid with an electric motor that runs alongside the petrol one only in the first moments of acceleration and recovery to contain consumption.
Fiat 500X Hybrid, has a petrol engine and two electric ones
The powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter FireFly turbo petrol engine with 130 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque and two electric units. An electric motor is inserted in the petrol engine and acts as a starter / alternator, the other connected to a 48V network is integrated in the dual clutch gearbox with seven gears and develops 20 horsepower and a torque that it transmits to the wheels up to 135 Nm. The latter is what also drives the 500X Hybrid autonomously, obviously when the 0.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is sufficiently charged, which regenerates itself in decelerations, placed in the housing occupied by the drive shaft. transmission of the 4×4 versions no longer present in the 500X range. A position that does not take up space in the passenger compartment and trunk.
Fiat 500X Hybrid, when it only moves electrically
The 500X Hybrid can move using only the electric motor when starting, during parking maneuvers and in stop & go gear for short distances and at very low speeds. These possibilities come into play automatically based on the driving parameters detected by the electronics. According to Fiat, the petrol engine remains off for half of the time it is used in traffic, contributing to an average consumption of 5.6 l / 100km and CO2 emissions of 128 g / km.
Fiat 500X Hybrid, how it goes on the road
The 500X hybrid, which can be recognized from other versions only by the graphic motif inserted in the Hybrid lettering, always starts only electrically and starts the petrol engine only when you accelerate to start moving. Subsequently, it is imperceptible how the two engines alternate or work in synergy, because teamwork is well-tuned and linear. When the accelerator is plunged into acceleration and shooting, the thrust of the electric motor is very noticeable, since its power and part of its torque are added to those of the petrol unit. Only when the accelerator is pressed decisively do you feel hesitations, because the dual-clutch gearbox does not always respond promptly. But its main task is not to vitaminize the Hybrid’s temperament, but to shift the weight of the car in situations where petrol consumption is higher by first starting the car and then making it electrically advance up to 30 per hour. Speed that is rarely reached and maintained in stop & go gear. The contribution of electricity also reaches outside the city and, again, quietly. For example, after slowing down near roundabouts and motorway junctions, as well as when driving at stabilized speed because it reduces the effort of the 1,500 turbo, which consumes less when running at lower revs and remains quietly noisy. All to the advantage of comfort. On a dynamic level, the 500X Hybrid (194 km / h, 0-100 in 9 ”4,) follows the other versions, thanks to its reliable behavior and handling.
Fiat 500X Hybrid, equipment and prices
The 500X Hybrid is available in nine trim levels. That is, the Club, the Cross, the Cross Dolcevita, the Red, the Red Dolcevita, the Sport, the Sport Dolcevita, the Dolcevita Special Edition and the Yacht Club Capri. The price list starts at 29,400 euros, practically 30 thousand euros, and reaches almost 37 thousand euros. The standard equipment of all versions includes various driver assistance systems including automatic emergency braking, the driver’s attention monitoring system, the blind spot alarm and the reading of road signs.