Fiat Abarth 500X Confirmed But Met With Harsh Sentiments!

Nothing is official at this stage, but Abarth boss Paolo Gagliardo has spoken candidly about his desire to expand the Abarth range beyond its current 500-based models.

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

Fiat also said it would like to return to rallying, with the 124 Spider and its MX-5 underpinnings the most likely candidate, but let’s not rule out the 500 supermini just yet.

While the numbers are still uncertain, Fiat believes that they can achieve 170hp from the 1.4L unit and this will definitely make the Abarth 500X a fast vehicle. Tentatively scheduled to bow in Geneva next March, the Abarth 124 Spider will use the same 200-horsepower 1.4-liter four that’s being considered for the 500X. The 124 Spider is expected to get the same engine.

Drive will be channelled through the standard all wheel drive system used by the 500X Lounge and Cross X versions, but instead of the nine-speed hydraulic automatic used in those models a variant of the 500X FWD’s six-speed dual-clutch auto may feature.

Given the booming SUV sales around the world plus the popularity of rivals like the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and Nissan Juke NISMO RS, both of which are soon to be in their second generation, it looks like Abarth has been asleep at the wheel.

The model is expected to be sold worldwide, but with a particular focus on the USA, where one in five Fiat 500s are now sold as Abarths.