car tests

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, both the hatchback and estate versions are now available as rugged Cross versions.

Tipo Cross

Like the regular Tipo, the Cross version has a fairly timeless design, which should appeal primarily to a wide 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 longer, has four inches more ground clearance, new tough bumpers and distinctive protective plates and side skirts.

New grille

The nose of the Cross has been sharpened, just like the regular Tipo. The grille shows off the brand name in large letters (and thus no longer the red Fiat logo) and you get new LED head and rear lights as standard. The Cross is available as a 5-door hatchback and station wagon.

A lot of space

The muscular station offers ample 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. In the very rear you can store up to 550 liters of stuff, about 100 liters more than in the hatchback. 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 some versions. 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. Whereas previously you could still choose between several gasoline and diesel engines, now only one powertrain is available: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, mated to an automatic as standard. And that’s enough! A small electric motor provides some additional support, allowing Fiat to put Hybrid logo on the tailgate. The car can run a few kilometers on electric power, but we mean literally a few kilometers. The electric motor and compact battery are present to slightly reduce fuel consumption, nothing more. In practice, this does allow you to effortlessly achieve consumption of 1 to 15. Not bad, for a medium-sized station.

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, but very light. So it’s not a pure driver’s car, but you don’t buy a station for that.

Safety

Fiat packed the car with safety systems. From traffic sign recognition to lane assist and (almost) everything in between, it is present in the Italian. There’s even an ‘Attention Assist’ – which advises the driver to pause if they get too tired. A function you soon tire of. 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.

New Tipo

The curtain will soon fall on the Tipo hatchback and station. In fact, in 2025 Fiat is already coming out with a new Tipo. Little is yet known about this successor, but according to Fiat CEO Olivier François, it will be a crossover.