Fiat Tipo Hatchback

Fiat returns to the small family car market with their new hatchback the Tipo writes Hannah Gordon

What is it? A conservative family hatchback for people not wanting to blow their budget.

Who is it aimed at? With its generous interior space and harsh plastics it suits extremely well to a family, the large boot is capable of swallowing some serious luggage and the rear seats have isofix points. The Fiat Tipo offers superb value for money, whilst it has fairly dull styling and an uninspiring drive it would be a great addition to a growing family.

 And styling? Don’t expect Italian flamboyance with the Tipo, the family hatchback market is a very ‘safe’ styled segment and the Tipo doesn’t wow the crowd. It is however pleasant enough and has a striking resemblance to the popular Opel Astra. The Lounge spec does come with body coloured bumpers, 17 inch alloys and LED Daytime running lights as standard. The Fiat Tipo’s colour pallet is rather limited though with Silver looking the brightest and best option.

Under the bonnet?  The Fiat Tipo comes with plenty of engine and gearbox choices, there are three petrol engines (two 1.4 litres and a 1.6 litre) and two diesel engines (1.3 and 1.6 litre) and three gearbox choices (5 speed,6 speed and twin clutch auto). Powering our test car was the 1.6 litre diesel with the 6 speed gearbox, it proved smooth and had plenty of acceleration when called upon. The selling point of the Tipo is its impressive economy figures, and with buying a budget car you also want to keep fuel prices down which is what the Tipo gives you.

What about inside? Not the most pleasing experiences within the cabin. I found it hard to get a decent driving position and I didn’t find the seats that comfortable, although I’m sure it would suit other people better. The harsh plastics are abundant but should last longer as this is a family hatchback after all. The infotainment screen isn’t the largest and does get lost within the dash arrangement, it is also fiddly to navigate on the move but generally the Fiat Tipo is well equipped.

On the road? The set up on the Fiat Tipo is ok and it absorbs most of the road issues you will encounter but with that comes an uninspiring drive. Cornering is spongy and the steering gives limited feedback, whilst the engine is peppy it does get loud in the cabin under acceleration and the six speed gearbox isn’t the most user friendly. Whilst these issues are noticeable at the start, after a weeks driving you really just get used to it.

What about safety? A recent Euro NCAP mark of three stars does have it lagging behind other rivals such as the Ford Focus and the Opel Astra, but this is because of the lack of safety systems as standard such as Lane assist, speed assist and no autonomous emergency breaking. These shortfalls are present due to the budget price of the car. Even with the safety pack option ticked you will still only get a four star top score.

What are my options? There are three trim options, Pop, Easy and Lounge. Standard equipment on the entry level Pop trim includes air conditioning, remote central locking, front & rear electric windows, body-coloured door mirrors with electric adjustment, six airbags,  chrome door handles, split rear seats, a front seat centre arm rest, full size spare wheel,  USB and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel remote controls.

Will it break the bank? A huge plus point for the Fiat Tipo is its impressive economy figures, the 1.6 litre diesel manages a reported 3.7 litres per 100 km or 76.3 mpg on a combined cycle and has a CO2 output of just 98g/km so annual motor tax is €180. Obviously take the fuel consumption figures with a pinch of salt as day to day driving will see efficiency reduce considerable.

So the verdict? The Fiat Tipo is a decent package and with the base model starting at €17,995 it’s hard to fault, but to get a car that’s easier to live with you would want something higher spec and then prices climb to similar to rivals. A family car needs to be hardwearing, economical and safe, although the Tipo does seem to tick the first two it does struggle with safety. The low Euro NCAP result would put plenty off and certainly Fiat’s aren’t seen as the most reliable in the market. But the Tipo does offer great value for money, plenty of space and the engine choices should cater for everyone, there is also an estate version which gives you 110 litres more boot space.

Why you’ll buy one? Price; Space; Economy: Equipment

Why you won’t? Styling; driving dynamics; safety rating

Rivals
Ford Focus – prices starting from €20,595
Opel Astra – prices starting from €20,750
Kia cee’d – prices starting from €19,650

Fiat Tipo1.6
Engine: 1598cc
Max speed:  199kph
0-100km/h:   9.8 seconds

Emissions (Motor Tax):   98 g/km (band A2 €180)
Model price range: from €17,005
No of Doors: 5
Euro NCAP : 3 stars ( 4 stars with optional pack)
Fuel type:  Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle):  76.3 mpg  (3.7 litre per 100)
Infant Car Seats: 2 isofix fittings
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 440 litres (down)
Length:  4368 mm
Width: 1792 mm
Height: 1495 mm
Wheelbase: 2638 mm

For more information check out Fiat.ie, the Fiat Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here

Hannah Gordon

5th April, 2017