Fiat 500X News

It's been a rough year for new vehicle sales.

If 2020 has taught us anything it's, be prepared for the unpredictable.Purely from an automotive point-of-view, this year has seen the shocking news that Holden will cease to exist.

Reports out of Europe suggest that Fiat will double down on variations of its lone successful product, the Fiat 500, expanding its range and electrifying it rather than trying to play in other market segments.

Fiat has today revealed yet another special edition for its ever-popular 500 city car, unveiling the 500 Collezione Edition in Europe.

Fiat Australia has introduced its updated 500X range which now consists of two trim levels only.

Citroen C4 Cactus petrol with auto transmission is set for Australia.

The inevitable march towards a high-riding automotive future continued in August, as buyers continue to turn away from traditional passenger cars in favour of SUVS and utes.

Fuel consumption claims aren't worth the label they're printed on.

There are more than 300 individual nameplates in Australia today. From Abarth to Volvo, the badges sit on vehicles from 46 brands building electric cars, tiny runabouts, hulking SUVs and utes.The gold rush is not over by a long shot, with Chinese brands starting to get very serious about Australia and certain to push the number nearer to 50 in 2016.LDV has arrived via importer Ateco Automotive with a people-mover and delivery van. Haval is making big promises for BMW-style SUVs next year. A brand with British history but Chinese owners will have three new models next year: the MG 3, MG 6 and MG CS.Some brands have been in Australia, often for a long time, and are looking for a fresh start.Fiat is planning a renewed push, starting with the just-landed, family-focused 500X. Next year, it will have the 124 Spider, which it has cloned from the new Mazda MX-5. Having failed in recent years with the Panda and Punto, Fiat believes it can create some excitement with a new generation of cars."The last thing the Australian market needs is another nameplate or brand. I cannot turn up and pretend you need me," says Fiat chief marketing officer Olivier Francois.He is behind some creative work for Fiat Chrysler that features superstars including Pharrell Williams, J-Lo, Eminem and even Clint Eastwood, who starred in a Superbowl commercial.For Australia, he is banking on Fiat's Italian heritage and design, combined with better pricing and quality from Fiat Chrysler — an operation that is starting to get traction here.He is pushing — like the Chinese brands — a change in perception and says: "Think Fiat only builds small cars? Wrong."

The Fiat 500 that isn't - because it's a crossover for families - is being readied to go head-to-head with the Mini Countryman in 2016.