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Fiat 500X: A sneak peek at Fiat’s 500 SUV

The Fiat 500X is an SUV based on the same platform as the 500L, and we’ve got a sneak peek of it at a press event in Italy. Fiat are determined to extend the 500 franchise with an extended range of models, such as the Fiat 500L we saw officially launched earlier today. Next up will be the Fiat 500X, a crossover come SUV based on the same Punto platform as the new 500L and aimed at the same market place as the MINI Countryman.

Ford Iosis X concept

With an abundance of small SUVs entering the European market, Ford has been conspicuously absent from this segment, something that the Iosis X will hope to quell. Using the same 'kinetic design' theme as the Iosis concept from last year, the Iosis X puts a coupe-like window graphic and roofline upon thick sills, similar in this respect to the Opel Antara concept. But while Opel will have their model on the road imminently, those wanting the Ford equivalent will have to wait until early 2008 for the forms to be toned down and put in showrooms.

One Lap of the Web: Racing heroes and ugly cars

-- Gary Bettenhausen finished 10th at Indy in 1971. But that's because he stopped his car, got out and pulled driver Mike Mosley out of his burning car, saving his life. Bettenhausen, who passed away last week at the age of 72, finished the race in 10th place but really came in first.