FIAT Tipo 5-door, presentation and road test in Madrid

Today at Highmotor we welcome an old acquaintance who adds new options to its range with the introduction of two new body styles.

We are talking about the FIAT Tipo, which we first got to know with its saloon body, and which today we tried at its presentation in the 5-door hatchback body.

FIAT is enjoying a sweet moment. It is possibly the most relevant and important scenario of the century for the Italian brand, which has seen its range consolidate thanks to very solid foundations – with the 500 as its top exponent – and with attractive launches for the public such as the new Tipo, which today we tried in a new hatchback body after testing the saloon variant a few months ago.

The new Tipo is already a success after barely a year on the market. Sales are meeting the most optimistic forecasts, and the small saloon of the C-segment is beginning to be seen on Europe’s roads with relative ease, a commendable achievement for a brand and a model that had no “momentum” from a previous model.

Exterior design

Aesthetically, the new 5-door Tipo has a very similar image to that of the saloon model. After all, they are two versions of the same product, so the differences come down to trim levels. The front is identical, with the differences limited to optical units with an integrated LED strip that serves as the position light and daytime running light.

The side profile recalls a conventional compact, although it is true – and something FIAT itself emphasises – that the shape of the rear is flatter and more upright, giving it very notable space and roominess. The Tipo has a well-resolved rear, with boomerang-shaped light units with permanent illumination.

The Tipo’s look can be complemented with alloy wheels of up to 17″ and two-tone finishes, as well as new body colours or a series of chrome trims on the windows, bumpers or door handles, amplifying the sense of quality of the whole.

Interior design

Inside, the atmosphere is also similar to that of the Tipo saloon we already knew. The changes have focused on the use of new materials for some trims, which now feel more pleasant to the touch, although the impressions are basically the same as before, with hard plastics still predominating.

The dashboard is rationally designed, with smooth and pleasing lines. The large instrument cluster offers all the information at a glance, including a central colour screen with all kinds of supplementary data. The steering wheel, with controls for the audio and cruise control, is covered in leather, a material also used for the gear lever.

The interior is well resolved, with materials that look good

The seats are comfortable and make it easy to find the ideal driving position, helped by height and reach adjustment of the steering wheel. The controls are logically placed, although it is true that the climate control module is somewhat low, forcing you to take your eyes off the road to operate it.

The most striking change is in its entertainment system, which is now much more modern. Called “UConnect 7″ HD Live”, it offers a larger 7″ colour screen, Bluetooth and audio streaming, voice control, TomTom 3D navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear-view camera.

The spaciousness of the cabin is evident in both the first and second rows of seats, where there is more than enough room for all occupants. Even the centre seat is usable. Boot capacity is reduced compared with the saloon variant, from 520 to 440 litres, a figure that remains very notable for the segment.

Driving dynamics and engine range

Driving the Tipo presents no difficulty whatsoever. As is usual with this type of vehicle, the dynamics have been designed for the average driver on our roads, offering a comfortable and pleasant feel at all times. The bodywork shows some pitch and roll, but nothing alarming in any situation.

The steering offers little feedback and is quite assisted, while the gearbox has a correct feel, with no sporty pretensions whatsoever. The braking system provides a solid deceleration even after a demanding stretch of bends, where, on the other hand, a clear understeer becomes apparent when we push the pace.

The Tipo 5-door launches in our market with four different engines, the entry-level variant being a 1.4 petrol with 95 CV. In diesel, the available outputs are 95 and 120 CV, from Multijet II engines of 1.3 and 1.6 litres respectively. As an “exotic” alternative, a 1.4 T-Jet with 120 CV and dual petrol-LPG fuelling.

All engines come as standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, although the most powerful diesel engine can also opt for a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Versions

The Tipo 5-door is presented in our market with two trim levels, the entry-level one being called “Easy“, which includes features such as air conditioning, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, 16” wheels, 6 airbags and LED daytime running lights. The “Lounge” trim adds to the above items such as automatic climate control, the 7″ UConnect HD system, 17″ alloy wheels, cruise control, light and rain sensors and an electrochromic interior mirror.

The launch price of the Tipo 5-door in our country is set at an attractive €10,900, corresponding to the 1.4 95 CV version with Easy trim, making it one of the most affordable models in the C-segment.

Photograph | Daniel Valdivielso

Technical specifications of this car

SedanFIAT Tipo1 version · from 20,100 €