Fiat Type 2016, presentation and road test in Madrid

Fiat is entering the C-segment, the most important in our market, with a well-thought-out weapon: its new Type.

A model with a simple design and features that guarantee it considerable attention. We travelled to Madrid to test it, and we tell you all about it.

Exterior design

Outside, the Fiat Type is one of those good-looking, eye-catching cars. It doesn’t try to win you over with its styling, but it does aim to offer a pleasing look, with well-balanced proportions. Although it has nothing to do with it, the concept of the car is clearly similar to that of the defunct Linea, a saloon based on the Fiat Grande Punto.

The front presents smooth, flowing lines, with two elongated headlight units of generous size that blend perfectly into the front grille, with a checkered design. The lower part of the front bumper integrates a small air intake, and the fog lights, placed at the ends, emphasise the width of the car. In addition, the windscreen has an unusual rake for this segment, enhancing the car’s sporty image as well as its aerodynamic coefficient, rated at Cx=0.29.

The wheels can be 15, 16 or 17″, with some designs finished in two-tone or polished versions. Even the side view is well executed thanks to some body ribs that flow from the front to the rear, giving it more dynamism and presence. The rear stands out with boomerang-style lights that integrate remarkably well.

The overall look of the new Type is, to say the least, satisfying. Without a doubt, the people at Fiat have managed to give this small saloon a harmonious appearance, something that is not so easy within the C-segment, where most saloons are nothing more than a compact “with a bottom”.

Interior design

If the exterior design language seeks a little more of the car’s “emotional” side, the interior has opted for a more rational and restrained approach. The dashboard, without leaving us cold, does not innovate as much as the bodywork. The design also tends towards width, divided into two well-structured planes, separated by a silver central trim that runs across the dashboard.

In the upper part we find a sort of “console” that houses both the infotainment system and the instrument cluster, with large digits and a multifunction screen with plenty of information. In the lower part there is a row of buttons that operate systems such as the hazard warning, City mode or the boot release, with the climate controls further down. Overall the layout is good.

There are plenty of storage compartments, both in the doors and in the centre console, including cup holders. The quality of the materials used is good, with padded plastic for the upper part of the dashboard. It is not a vehicle with great pretensions, so hard materials abound, although the fit and finish are good. Some details are lacking, such as an exposed screw or grab handles on the roof that are not cushioned, which knock if they are released suddenly.

The seats are comfortable, with firm padding that supports the body reasonably well. In the case of the top version, the driver’s seat has electric lumbar support. They cannot be fitted with heating. The cabin is spacious, with more than enough room up front. In the rear, legroom is very good, while headroom is a bit tight for anyone taller than 1.80 metres.

The boot offers a capacity of 520 litres, with very regular shapes. The usable floor area is 1×1.02, which gives a good idea of the practical possibilities of this Italian saloon. Naturally, the rear seat backrests fold down in a 60:40 split, even from the basic trim level.

Driving dynamics and technology

The Fiat Type is built on a modular platform used by numerous models within the FCA group. For this model, a fairly generous wheelbase has been chosen, which helps improve the vehicle’s dynamic qualities.

The Type arrives on our market with three engines: one petrol, the 1.4 Fire with 95 CV, and two diesels, a 1.3 MultiJet II with 95 CV and a 1.6 MultiJet II with 120 CV. They can be combined with 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes, although Fiat is considering the option of incorporating an automatic gearbox later on.

During our first contact we had the opportunity to drive the 1.6 MultiJet II 120 CV version, the most powerful in the range, which is rated at 120 CV, 320 Nm, 6 speeds, and performance that is more than notable for a car in its category. With this engine, the Type moves with perfect ease, while keeping consumption that will rarely exceed 6 litres per 100 km. The engine’s refinement at idle also stands out, as it is neither audible nor transmits vibrations.

If we push the engine a little, we notice that above 3,500 rpm the roughness becomes noticeable, producing a somewhat unpleasant sound. That said, the engine has enough power that we practically never need to rev beyond that figure.

The Type uses a very traditional suspension layout, with MacPherson struts at the front axle and trailing arms with a torsion beam at the rear axle. The damping is somewhat soft, although once in motion the car holds the road well, with a secure trajectory and without losing composure. The braking system, with discs on all four wheels in this version and rear drums on the other two engines, struck me as adequate, with good deceleration capacity.

Equipment and prices

One of the key points of the Italian model is its price, with a complete range of versions always at a very keen list price. As an initial launch measure, Fiat is launching 220 units called Opening Edition and Opening Edition+, with more extensive equipment and a more attractive price.

The Opening versions, equipped with the 1.4 petrol engine, feature four electric windows, automatic air conditioning, 16″ alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and metallic paint. Their price is €10,990. The Opening+ versions add elements such as a rear-view camera, cruise control, 17″ wheels, light and rain sensors and the Connect VP2 system. All for a price of €15,600.

Once the promotion ends, the range will be organised into two trim levels, the Easy and the Lounge, with prices starting at €9,990 for the Easy 1.4 petrol, up to a maximum of €14,500 for the 1.6 MultiJet II Lounge.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso

Technical specifications of this car

SedanFIAT Tipo1 version · from 20,100 €