Press Kit: 2016 Fiat 500X

Auburn Hills, Mich. November 20, 2014 - Safety is a priority for the FIAT brand, and the multitude of features available in the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X demonstrates that importance. The new small crossover offers up to 70 standard or available safety and security features, including the availability of Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus.
 
The Fiat 500X is supplemented with both active and passive safety and security features, including Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and seven standard air bags.
 
Standard and available safety and security features on the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X include:

1. Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for one second to indicate a lane change
2. Advanced multistage air bags: Inflate with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. Meet FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants
3. All-row full-length side-curtain air bags: Extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor that autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. This type of air bag is housed in the headliner just above side windows
4. All-speed traction control system: Part of the standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), helps keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during all speeds by applying individual brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation to prevent wheel slip
5. Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
6. Anti-lock brake system with rough-road detection: Anti-lock brake system is capable of detecting if the vehicle is driving on a rough road by the oscillations in the wheel speed signals. When rough road is detected on off-road surfaces or trails, ABS enters a different pressure control where it will hold the brake pressure for longer pulses
7. Auto-dimming rearview mirror: Auto-dimming mirror automatically reduces glare from bright light, allowing the driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead
8. Automatic defog: Enables the automatic temperature control (ATC) system to measure humidity inside the vehicle and provide a fog-free windshield automatically without driver intervention
9. Automatic headlamps: Headlamps turn on and off automatically depending on exterior light levels and when the windshield wipers are turned on or off
10. Automatic high-beam headlamps: Headlamp system adjusts to oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting
11. Auto-reverse sunroof: When equipped with the power sunroof, the system automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction during closing
12. Auto-reverse windows: The window automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction during closing
13. BeltAlert: Activates a chime and/or illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without belted front-seat occupants
14. Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror
15. Brake assist: In an emergency brake situation, the system applies maximum braking power, minimizing the stopping distance
16. Brake-lock differential system (BLDS): Allows the vehicle to maintain forward motion if one or two wheels lose traction by selectively and aggressively applying brakes to the spinning wheels
17. Brake-throttle override: Allows driver to stop the vehicle when throttle and brake inputs occur simultaneously; electronic throttle control reduces engine-power output until vehicle stops or pedal inputs cease
18. Brake/park interlock: Prevents the transmission from being shifted out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is pushed
19. Brake traction-control system (BTCS): Helps to keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s)
20. Capless fuel-filler door: Provides fuel-filling simplicity and eliminates contact with any fuel spillage
21. Child-protection rear door locks: Disables the rear doors’ inside-release handle by adjusting a small lever on the door-shut face
22. Child seat anchor system: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
23. Constant-force retractors (CFR): Regulate the force exerted on the occupants by the seat belts and then gradually release seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner
24. Cornering fog lamps: Provide additional light in the direction of an intended turn or lane change
25. Daytime running lamps (DRL): Lights that illuminate during daytime conditions, increasing the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers
26. Driver’s side knee air bag: Located below the instrument panel, the knee air bag deploys when the driver air bag deploys and is designed to properly position the occupant during impact and offer additional lower leg protection
27. Dual-note electric horns: Produces two different tones at the same time, to cut through ambient noise
28. Electric parking brake (EPB): Utilizes parking brake switch mounted in the center console, a motor on caliper (MOC) at each rear wheel and an electronic control module. Four modes of operation: static apply and release, dynamic apply, drive away release and safe hold
29. Electronic brake-force distribution: Assists the driver to optimize stopping distances and control under all vehicle loading conditions by regulating braking pressure front-to-rear
30. Electronic roll mitigation (ERM): An extension of electronic stability control (ESC). Uses input from ESC sensors to anticipate if the vehicle is at risk of entering a potential roll situation, then applies the brakes individually and modulates the throttle position as needed
31. Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the benefit in critical driving situations such as turns, and is valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there is a discernible difference between driver input through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to guide the vehicle back on to the driver’s intended path
32. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC): Provides the driver with trip, temperature, tire-pressure monitoring and other vehicle information within the instrument cluster
33. Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management
34. Energy management system: Three front load paths designed from high-strength steel help maintain structural integrity and minimize cabin intrusion
35. Express up/down windows: One-touch powered express up/down window button located on the front driver and passenger-side doors
36. Fog lamps: Lighting to provide additional visibility in fog or other poor weather conditions
37. Forward Collision Warning-Plus: Utilizes radar and video sensors to detect whether the 500X is approaching another vehicle or large obstacle in its path too rapidly, and warns or assists the driver in avoiding/mitigating the incident
38. Front and rear crumple zones: Specially formed structural members that crumple and absorb energy in a collision, helping protect the occupant cabin
39. Front seat-belt adaptive/active load limiters: Designed to optimize the chest loading in an impact event
40. Front seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat belt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso
41. Front-seat mounted side pelvic thorax air bags: Provide enhanced protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor that autonomously triggers the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. Standard side air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat
42. Front wiper blades deicer: Prevents wiper blades from freezing to the front windshield and improves cold-weather wipe ability
43. Global position sensor (GPS): Used for navigation guidance and electronic vehicle tracking
44. Heated sideview mirrors: Prevents buildup of snow or ice on sideview mirrors to maintain visibility
45. Height-adjustable seat belts (front row): Outboard seat belts feature height adjustment, allowing for the seat belt to be placed in the optimal position for any driver or passenger
46. Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released
47. Keyless Enter ‘n Go: When an individual enters the vehicle, electronic sensors detect if the vehicle key fob is present. The vehicle will then allow the individual to push a button to start the vehicle without having to insert the key into the ignition
48. LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus: Leverages electronic power steering (EPS) to deliver a torque input to alert and assist the driver with corrective action
49. Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): State-of-the-art GPS-enabled stolen vehicle recovery system. EVTS includes nationwide tracking including 24/7 emergency service dispatch, security fence, arrival/departure notification, excessive speed notification and trace maps of past locations (in selected markets)
50. Occupant Restraint Controller: Detects an impact and determines whether a crash is severe enough to trigger air bag deployment and whether the primary or secondary stage inflation is sufficient. In addition, the controller detects side impacts and determines whether the rail-curtain and side seat-mounted (thorax protection) air bags should deploy. Engagement of front seat-belt pretensioners are also managed through the controller
51. ParkSense rear park assist system: The system utilizes ultrasonic sensors at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects.
52. ParkView rear backup camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before reversing at low speeds. Contains dynamic grid lines to aid the driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas. The image is displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse
53. Projector headlamps: Headlamp system provides more controlled illumination for increased visibility
54. Rain-sensing wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers
55. Ready Alert Braking (RAB): Anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and uses the ESC pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application
56. Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection: In parking lot situations, this system warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. It activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime
57. Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
58. Remote start: Conveniently starts the engine by using the key fob while maintaining vehicle security
59. Safety cage body structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
60. Security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry
61. Sentry Key engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after a few seconds
62. Side guard door beams: Reinforcement beams inside the doors that increase occupant protection in a side collision
63. SiriusXM Traffic: Works with the vehicle’s navigation system to display traffic speed and flow information, along with accident information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas
64. SiriusXM Travel Link: Real-time local fuel prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie locations and times all featured in this subscription-based system provided by SiriusXM Radio
65. Supplemental turn signals: Signal lamps built into the housing of exterior mirrors allow turn signals to be viewed from the front, sides and rear of the vehicle in order to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians
66. Thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster display: Offers drivers a wide range of customization options, from a basic analog read-out to a full digital display that clearly communicates vehicle information with easy-to-understand icons
67. Three-point seat belts: Front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions have lap and shoulder belts
68. Tilt-and-telescoping steering column: Allows steering column to tilt and move toward or away from the driver to achieve a safe and comfortable distance from the advanced multi-stage front driver air bag, if deployed
69. Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) system: Informs driver when tire pressure is too low. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system. Tire-pressure monitoring system self-learns tire position after rotation or tire is moved to a new location
70. Uconnect Voice Command: An in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. When the Bluetooth phone is initially connected, the contact list is automatically downloaded, synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. It also allows drivers to switch radio modes, tune to AM/FM and SiriusXM Radio stations and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands. The handsfree option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility