Abarth 500X expected to have AWD and 170 hp

A new report indicates Abarth has plans to launch the beefier Fiat 500X sometime in 2017.

Abarth has already confirmed a punchier iteration of the 500X is on its way and now Autocar has managed to find out more details about the model. It??™s apparently due in 2017 following next year??™s release of the Abarth 124 Spider, and will be offered with the 1.4-liter MultiAir II engine used on other models sold by Fiat. In this application, the engine will develop around 170 hp (127 kW) and will work exclusively with an all-wheel drive arrangement.

As standard, the Abarth 500X will come with a six-speed manual transmission, but at an additional cost you??™ll be able to order the hot crossover with an optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Aside from the stronger internals, the model is bound to receive bespoke styling inside and out, along with additional mechanical changes like upgraded brakes, sportier suspension setup, and a throatier exhaust system. It will gain a more aggressive body, bespoke alloy wheels, along with several revisions inside the cabin to denote it??™s an Abarth-tuned variant.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has plans to make the Abarth 500X a global model, but with an emphasis on the US market. Although there??™s no word about price just yet, it's safe to say it will command a serious premium over the regular Fiat version that begins at $20,000 MSRP in United States.