Fiat, like MINI, realizes that small isn’t for everyone, which is why the Italian automaker recently announced the four-door Fiat 500L for the U.S. market.

It turns out that the 500L won’t be the only model built on a widened version of Fiat’s Punto platform, as Fiat is reportedly going to launch a crossover version of the 500, dubbed the 500X.

The Fiat 500X will become the fifth model in Fiat’s 500 range. Automotive News Europe (subscription required) reports the 500X will be the longest model in the 500 range, and will incorporate both SUV and hatchback elements into its style.

It’s probable that the 500X will be built alongside the 500L at Fiat’s Mirafiori plant in Italy, with production penciled in to begin in December of 2013.

It’s also likely to share production lines with a new compact Jeep model, dubbed the B-SUV, which is scheduled to be sold in global markets including the United States and Europe.

Yes, that means that a new small Jeep will be built in Italy and sold in its homeland, the U.S. Globalization is an interesting concept, eh?

The 500X is expected to be available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants, although it won’t be designed for off-road use like the Jeep B-SUV.

The European versions of both the Fiat 500X and the Jeep B-SUV are expected to come with three engine options, including Fiat’s 900cc TwinAir two cylinder, a 1.3-liter four cylinder gasoline engine and a 1.3-liter MultiJet II diesel.

In the States, we're likely to see the gasoline four, less likely to see the diesel, and almost sure not to see the two-cylinder engine.

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