Top 3 Fiat Tipo trims head to head: here’s our winner.

The Fiat Tipo entered the highly contested hatchback segment in South Africa in 2017 and while every so often you might spot one on the roads, it has fared less than desired against its closest competitors like the Volkswagen Polo Vivio, Hyundai i20 and KIA Rio. This is sad as depending on the trim level, the stylish little hatchback offers a lot of value for money.

While Fiat Tipo hatch customers have a choice between three trim levels, the Italian automaker only offer two engines in the range. The Tipo can be had with either a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol engine producing 70 kW and 127 Nm of torque or a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor developing 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. But for now, we are going to focus on the three trim levels on option so let us jump in.

Fiat Tipo hatch 1.4 Pop

The Fiat Tipo hatch in Pop guise is the entry point to the range of Italian hatchbacks. Being the most affordable model it's no surprise that it comes fitted with16-inch steel wheels and foglights are omitted from the specification sheet. Customers should note that the Pop trim does offer manual climate control as well as a radio with USB and AUX input.

Owners also benefit from adjustable electric door mirrors with a de-icing function as well as central locking and an outside temperature sensor. In terms of safety, the Tipo Pop provides an airbag for each front occupant as well as electronic stability control, hill holder assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Fiat Tipo hatch 1.4 Easy

First noticeable on this mid-range trim is the LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Like the Pop model, the Easy derivatives come with chromed door handles to finish the exterior. On the interior, the driver will instantly notice the leather-clad multifunction steering wheel. The buttons can be used to control the volume on the new Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system which is compatible with radio, AUX, USB and Bluetooth.

The other buttons on the steering wheel are there to control the cruise control system which is standard on this trim. Just below the new infotainment system customers will note that the climate control system is also now automatic. Other notable enhancements include rear electric windows, foglights and rear park distance control. 

Fiat Tipo hatch 1.4 Lounge

The Fiat Tipo hatch in Lounge trim comes with even more refinement. First noticeable on the exterior is the 17-inch gloss black diamond-cut alloy wheels while the rest of the exterior features chrome detailing around the windows and grille areas. The interior also comes bolstered with more leather items such as a multifunction steering wheel and gear nob. 

In addition to that, the driver seat gains an armrest while the rear occupants get a 12V power socket. One of the bigger upgrades is the infotainment screen that is now 7.0-inch which also function as the display for the rearview camera which also features as standard on the Lounge variant.

Verdict

While the Pop derivative is very basic it could be a good option for students and even business fleet vehicles. The Lounge variant at the opposite end of the spectrum comes fitted with every bell and whistle and although it offers additional safety with the rearview camera and bolstered styling with the chrome trim and diamond-cut wheels, it could be outside of the budget.

Thus our winner is the Easy trim level as it retains good styling and rear park distance control but is slightly more affordable than the Lounge derivative.