Fiat will increase its presence in the performance arena through its Abarth sub-brand, with the Italian company suggesting the new Fiat 500X model will spawn a go-fast variant.

Fiat head of European design Roberto Giolito told CarAdvice that Abarth cannot be limited only to the 500 hatchback with its 595 derivatives.

“The Abarth vision is not only based on 500s. So there’s more to come,” Giolito said at the 2014 Paris motor show.

“The 500X is a good body for Abarth,” said Giolito. “I can say today this is a good item. It’s absolutely perfect in terms of drivability, control. The driving seat is perfectly measured to control the car. So the Abarth would be perfect."

The 500X is available with a range of engines and transmissions, and also front- or all-wheel drive. Giolito offered no technical details on what could be used under the body of the car, but suggested that its styling would be notably different to the rest of the 500X range, which has two exterior looks – one that is more urban focused, and a second more rugged version.