Reborn in 2016, the Fiat Tipo was now the target of the usual middle-age restyling, all to try to remain competitive in the ever-competitive C-segment.
Among the new features are a revised look, a technological boost, new engines and, perhaps the biggest news of all, a Cross variant that “winks the eye” to SUV/Crossover fans.
But let's start with the aesthetic renovation. To start on the grid, the traditional logo gave way to the lettering “FIAT” in large letters. To this are added LED headlamps (new), new front bumpers, more chrome finishes, new LED taillights and 16” and 17” wheels with a new design.
Inside, the Fiat Tipo received a 7” digital instrument panel and an infotainment system with a 10.25” screen with the UConnect 5 system introduced by the new electric 500. In addition, inside the Tipo we also find a redesigned steering wheel and gearshift lever.
The Fiat Type Cross
Inspired by the success that Panda Cross has known, Fiat applied the same formula to Tipo. The result was the new Fiat Tipo Cross, a model with which the Turin brand hopes to win over a new (and perhaps younger) range of customers.
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For now based on the hatchback (a minivan-based version is likely to emerge), the Type Cross is 70mm taller than the “normal” Type and has a more adventurous look, courtesy of the plastic bumpers on the bumpers. , wheel arches and side skirts, through the roof bars and even through the taller tyres.
Fiat Type Cross
In total, Fiat claims that the Tipo Cross is 40 mm higher from the ground than the other Tipo and received the suspension calibration based on the one used by the Fiat 500X.
And the engines?
As we told you, the renewed Fiat Tipo also brings news in the mechanical chapter. The biggest of them all is the adoption of the 1.0 Turbo three-cylinder FireFly engine with 100 hp and 190 Nm.
This comes to replace the 1.4 l that we currently find under the hood of the Italian model and which offers 95 hp and 127 Nm, that is, the new engine allows a gain of 5 hp and 63 Nm while promising lower consumption and emissions.
In the Diesel field, the big news is the adoption of a 130 hp version of the 1.6 l Multijet (a gain of 10 hp). For those who don't need as much power, the transalpine model will also be available with a 95 hp diesel engine — we assume that it will continue to be the 1.3 l Multijet, although not indicated in the official statement.
When does it arrive and how much will it cost?
In total, the Fiat Tipo range will be divided into two variants: Life (the more urban) and Cross (the more adventurous). These are further divided into specific equipment levels.
The Life variant has “Type” and “City Life” and “Life” levels and will be available in all three body types. The Cross variant is available in the “City Cross” and “Cross” levels and, at least for now, it will only be available in the hatchback.
For now, both the prices and the expected date for the arrival of the Fiat Tipo on the national market remain unknown.