Don't be fooled by the (combat) price or by the configuration of the three-volume bodywork – in this segment so often associated with proposals of dubious quality. The Fiat Tipo is not a low-cost model. It is a Fiat with heart and soul, which uses and abuses the best components of the FCA group – namely, the Multijet engines and the Small/Wide platform (80% made up of high-strength steel and assembled using modern techniques) equal to We found it on the 500X and the Jeep Renegade.
It was enough to enter the Fiat Tipo for these doubts to be completely dispelled in a proposal where the priority was clearly functionality – the concerns with design and style are for models like the 500 and 124 Spider. The materials are not reference but do not compromise in any aspect, presenting a solid feel and a sober appearance. The equipment does not go beyond the essentials: air conditioning, cruise-control, rain and light sensors, MP3 radio with voice control, steering wheel controls, on-board computer, and of course the mandatory ESP, ABS and airbags (front and sides). Naturally, the most recent driving assistance systems, such as emergency braking or lane maintenance assistance, are left out. Essential? Not really.
Taking off onto the road, the qualities of the chassis/suspension set must be highlighted, capable of offering a good compromise between rigor in curves and rolling comfort. Habitability is also very good, both at the front and at the rear, large measures that extend to the luggage compartment with a capacity of 520 liters(!) – larger than many proposals in the C-segment.
The engine of this unit is a 1.6 Multijet with 120 hp of power, but a 1.3 Multijet with 95 hp is also available (from 18,500 euros). An engine always available, ready for both the city and a hurried journey on the highway thanks to the excellent gearbox scaling. Consumption was a little below expectations, we reached an average of 6 L/100km – a value that can be justified by the low mileage of the model under test. Two more versions of the Tipo will soon hit the market – you can check them out here.
For those who want a spacious and functional car and don't have style at the top of their priorities, the Fiat Tipo is a model to consider.