Fiat has completed the electrification of its entire range with the 500X Hybrid and Tipo Hybrid equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to reduce consumption and emissions. The same powertrain debuted last month in the E-Hybrid variants of the Jeep Renegade and Compass. These are additions that are in line with current demands, and that hope to become one of the favorite options for those looking for an electric car with the prestige that a brand like Fiat can give.
The mechanical qualities of this car
The hybrid configuration includes a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder FireFly engine that produces an interesting 128 horsepower (96 kW/130 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, and a 48-volt BSG electric motor that produces an additional 20 horsepower (15 kW/20 PS) and 41 pound-feet (55 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front axle via a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Despite being classified as mild-hybrids by 48-volt technology, the combustion engine of the 500X Hybrid and Tipo Hybrid can remain off for up to 47% of the time in WLTP combined cycle, and up to 62% in the city. Cars can start, park and even drive on electric power alone, with the system recovering energy during braking and deceleration.
More technical details
As a result, the 1.5 Hybrid consumes 0.3 lt/100km less than the 1.6 Diesel in urban cycle. In addition, the 500X Hybrid emits 11% less CO2 compared to the regular 500X with the 1.3-liter gasoline engine. In terms of performance, the Fiat Tipo Hybrid accelerates from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in about 9 seconds, while the 500X Hybrid needs 9.4 seconds.
The aesthetic part of cars
Visually, the only difference is the addition of the Hybrid badge on the tailgate. The 500X Hybrid benefits from the new front emblem that was part of the 2022 model year updates to the 500X, while the Tipo Hybrid is also available in the newly revealed SW Cross body style that combines the practicality of a wagon with crossover-style cues. Both models are also available in the (RED) finish with a passion red exterior, a black interior with red accents and special logos.
Regardless of the model these cars are still very attractive, with that passion red color, which shows really aggressive fronts, LED day and night lights, and air intakes in the bumper that contribute to keeping the engine in optimal temperature conditions. The door locks come in the same body color, while the mirror housings are combined with the black color.
These cars maintain an effective brake system that is composed of powerful discs and calipers on each of their wheels. The rear also brings brake or stop lights with advanced LED technology, sports decorative rear spoiler, silver details on the bumper, auxiliary lights embedded in the bumper, among other interesting details.
Where it will occur and when it will be available
The Fiat 500X Hybrid will be produced in Melfi, Italy, while the Fiat Tipo Hybrid will be manufactured in Tofas, Turkey. Fiat will begin accepting orders for the 500X Hybrid and Tipo Hybrid later this month, with the first examples arriving at European dealerships in April. From 2023, Fiat will introduce a new electric model every year, with the aim of offering an all-electric range from 2027.