When Chrysler bought FIAT in hopes to successfully reintroduce the brand to the United States, many of us didn't know what to expect. Now that we've had some time for the Italian presence to sink in, we can't help but notice increased consumer interest over recent months. Now this may have to do with clever and attractive advertising (please refer to Super Bowl commercials), but we think that increased offerings has something to do with it as well.

Consumers shopping for a new or used FIAT 500 near Chicago will be interested to learn that the Italian automaker is adding another product to the 500 lineup - the FIAT 500X crossover. But what exactly does this model have to offer? Apparently both petrol and diesel variants of the car will be available to interested shoppers, along with various engine options. FIAT's 1.3L diesel engine will be equipped in the diesel version, while a 1.4L turbo petrol engine and a 900 cc MultiAir engine will be available as well. The framework will be based on the FIAT Punto platform with a few extra inches in width.

Unfortunately, the FIAT 500X will only be offered in Indian and European markets. FIAT wants to offer smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles to U.S. consumers, so a crossover wouldn't necessarily fit into that goal. However, we would be lying if we said we weren't jealous of Indian and European car shoppers. In any case, we still have a great lineup here at Fields FIAT of Highland Park, including the 2012 FIAT 500 Abarth. Perhaps we will have more variants coming soon.