Major Engine Improvements Are Key

The 500X was first introduced in Japan in October 2015, making this its first product improvement in approximately three and a half years.

The key to this refinement, along with changes to the interior and exterior, is the adoption of a new-generation, all-aluminum 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine.


While this represents a downsizing from the previous 1.4-liter turbo, optimization of the combustion chamber shape and advancements in Fiat's proprietary MultiAir technology have led to improvements in fuel efficiency, maximum output, and maximum torque, which now stand at 151ps and 270Nm respectively—an increase of 11ps and 20Nm. Noise and vibration have also been reduced.

Regarding this point, Mr. Ikuno Itsuomi, Product Manager at FCA Japan's Marketing Division, commented, "Especially after the start-stop system engages, the restart can sometimes transmit vibrations to the occupants, but with this car, it's hardly noticeable. I believe this is a remarkable evolution for the industry."

Motif of the 500 Logo

The exterior retains the rounded, friendly design characteristic of the 500 family, while updated front and rear bumper shapes lend the "X" a more robust, SUV-like presence.

The headlights have also been redesigned. They now feature LEDs, replacing the previous bi-xenon units, and the daytime running lights and position lights in the circular sections are split vertically. This design is actually inspired by the "500" logo, with the "0" split in half vertically and applied to the headlights.


Inside, the dashboard area continues to feature body-colored accents, a carryover from the previous model. This is said to be a "distinctive Fiat consideration" to allow users, who have strong preferences for color and design, to feel the body color even within the cabin.

Furthermore, with the redesigned steering wheel and instrument cluster, Mr. Ikuno noted, "While retaining the best elements of the past, the changes bring a sense of newness."

The infotainment system remains Uconnect, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen monitor compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate navigation system; by connecting a smartphone, users can access Google Maps, music streaming services, and more, operating it with the same familiarity as their phone.

FCA Japan's Strong Performance Continues, Fueled by the 500X

FCA Japan continues its strong performance from last year. Based on 2009 figures, sales in 2018 approached 23,000 units, a 2.6-fold increase. Despite the overall import car market growing by only about 1 percent last year, FCA Japan recorded a growth of approximately 4.7 percent.

Ms. Ryoko Shimizu, Public Relations Manager at FCA Japan, stated, "Our directive from headquarters in Italy and America is to maintain this momentum this year, and we are taking a step forward towards that goal. In the first quarter, we achieved slight growth even as the overall market for foreign car manufacturers experienced negative growth. Therefore, we are off to a smooth start towards our goal of achieving record-high sales for four consecutive years."

However, this first quarter did not achieve the highest sales volume on record. Ms. Shimizu explained, "This is because the Jeep "Wrangler," launched last summer, is performing exceptionally well globally, and production for Japan has not kept pace. Consequently, we currently have over 1,600 backorders. This means that these 1,600 units will be delivered in the second quarter, allowing us to anticipate a record-breaking second quarter."

Sales for the Fiat family (500, Panda, 500X) have seen fluctuations; the 500X experienced a slight decrease in sales in 2018. However, with the launch of this new model, growth is expected this year. Incidentally, Fiat's first quarter concluded with a 9.3 percent year-on-year increase. Adding the new 500X to this will further boost momentum in the second quarter, suggesting expectations for increased sales.