car tests

Tough Cross version, is that what?

Fiat has renewed the Tipo and also introduced a new variant: the Tipo Cross. This version is a bit higher on its wheels, making it a bit more adventurous and fashionable. How does he drive? We’ll tell you that in this review.

Fiat Tipo

The Tipo was launched on the market for the first time in 2016 and since then the Italians have sold more than 670,000 copies. The sober c-segmenter has now been given a facelift and is equipped with the latest safety and infotainment systems. In addition, it is now also available as a robust Cross version.

Tipo Cross

Just like the regular Tipo, the Cross version has a timeless design, which should especially appeal to a large audience. Everyone wants a cool crossover these days, or something similar.

It all has to be bigger, higher and wider and that is exactly what Fiat has done with the Tipo. The Cross is seven centimeters longer, has four centimeters more ground clearance, new tough bumpers, striking skid plates and side skirts.

New grille

The nose of the Cross has been sharpened, just like the regular Tipo. The brand name shows off in large letters on the grille and you get new LED headlights and taillights as standard. The Cross is only available as a 5-door hatchback, but you can still get the regular Tipo as a station wagon.

A lot of space

The muscular hatchback offers enough space for an enterprising family. Two adults or three children sit comfortably in the back and nobody gets in trouble with their legs. The seat is a bit short, but you can live with that. If you fold the back seat flat, a mountain bike will fit in the back with ease. If you don’t mind spots in the headliner, you can stack two bikes if necessary. It all fits.

Connectivity

In the front, the seats are also a bit short, but the seats are nevertheless very pleasant. In addition, the lumbar support is electrically adjustable. In addition, you can enjoy the new 5th generation UConnect 5 infotainment system in the front, which runs on the 10.25-inch touchscreen.

The system can be operated easily and reasonably smoothly and can also handle wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can connect two phones at the same time via Bluetooth and wireless charging is also possible.

More screens

In front of the driver’s nose is a 7-inch screen, which shows the speed and other things. Next to this digital instrument cluster are an analog tachometer and fuel gauge. These are equipped with lights, so that it almost seems as if they are part of the 7-inch screen. A smart cost-effective solution.

engines

You will not get stress of choice from the engine range of the Tipo. Where previously you could choose between different petrol and diesel engines, there is now only one powertrain available: a 100 hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. And that’s enough!

But don’t worry, we really like this so-called FireFly engine. The power is sufficient for a car of this size. The speedometer of the Tipo Cross, weighing 1,255 kg, reaches 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds.

Sixth gear would have been nice, but we didn’t really miss it. On the highway, the engine remains low in the revs and the consumption figures are reasonably favourable: we achieve – just like according to the book – an average consumption of 1 to 18 without too much effort.

Comfort

The regular Tipo is a comfortable family car and the Tipo Cross goes one step further. The chassis has been adjusted differently and seems to have even more supple suspension than a normal Tipo. The model will also be sold in Eastern Europe, where they will be delighted with this decision. They don’t buy crossovers and SUVs there to be fashionable.

Fortunately, the comfortable chassis and smooth suspension do not lead to less stability. The car is tight on the road and steers quite smoothly. It is not a pure driver’s car, but the steering is anything but numb. We had a great time behind the wheel, it must be said.

Safety

Not only the control gives confidence, all the new safety systems that are present also give a safe feeling. From traffic sign recognition to lane assist and (almost) everything in between, it’s present in the compact Italian.

There’s even an ‘Attention Assist’ – which advises the driver to pause if they get too tired. Fortunately, the safety systems are Italian. That is to say: you should have some fun behind the wheel, before the system taps you on the fingers.

Prices Fiat Tipo Cross

The renewed Fiat Tipo 5-door hatchback is available from 22,190 euros. For the Tipo Station Wagon you pay at least 23,390 euros and the Tipo Cross tested by us you drive out of the showroom from 25,858 euros.