Top 3 things you need to know about the Fiat Tipo
Too often consumers buy a vehicle only to see another model that would have fit their budget better and met all their prerequisites, after the fact. The Fiat Tipo range is, unfortunately, is one of those underrated models, but we try to mitigate this by showing you the top 3 things you need to know about the Italian offering.
The word 'Tipo' means 'Type' in Italian, however, even the synonym work in this example as the Fiat Tipo is 'kind' to the eyes. At the head of the design team of code project Type 356, or as we know it the Fiat Tipo, was Alberto Dilillo and Roberto Giolito. Robert, responsible for the popular Fiat 500 that was unveiled in 2007. The team of designers, led by Alberto and Robert, set out to create a stylish vehicle and even drew inspiration from modern Maserati models for the front end.
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The model is focussed on providing customers with ample passenger and luggage space as well as versatility. With 10 derivatives on offer, the Italian model is set to take on the entire medium to compact segments as it caters to a wide variety of customers and their individual needs. But let us highlight just some of the things you need to know about the Fiat Tipo.
1. Body style
The Fiat Tipo is not only offered in a sedan body style but also a hatchback. While the design team first focussed on creating the sedan derivatives, the Italian company diversified the range with hatchback and station wagon body styles, however, only the sedan and hatchback variants made its way to local shores.
The sedan measures 4 532mm in length, 163mm longer than the hatchback model, however, that small increase in length results in the luggage compartment increasing from 440-litres in the hatchback to 520-litres in the sedan. If the luggage space is still too little, you can fold the 60:40 split rear seat flat to increase loading space, however, this function is reserved for Easy derivatives in the sedan range.
2. Powertrain
While some manufacturers create single-engined product line-ups, customers of the Fiat Tipo will be happy to know that they can opt between two different motors with different power outputs. At one end of the spectrum, one will find a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission and at the other end a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.4-litre option will provide customers with 70 kW and 127 Nm of torque which will power the Tipo to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 182 km/h. It is also the more frugal of the two as it claims to return an average fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L / 100 km. In fact, 0.6 L / 100 km less than the more powerful 1.6-litre which produces 81 kW and 152 Nm which will propel the Fiat to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds and on to 192 km/h.
3. Safety
The Fiat Tipo comes with a host of safety systems starting with the electronic stability control (ESC) which assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle in emergency manoeuvres. Bolstering this is a traction control system (TCS) which intervenes when wheel slip is detected to ensure optimal grip in extreme situations.
Stopping is done with ABS and is complemented by the Panic Brake Assist (PBA) system which increases the braking force in case of an emergency. Another feature which both enhances driving convenience and assists the driver is the Hill Start Assist which will maintain the brake pressure during the time in which the driver switches pedals to start accelerating.
Both front occupants are kept safe by front airbags, however, curtain airbags are optionally available. Furthermore, the Fiat Tipo incorporates rear park distance control sensors, a rear-view camera and electro-chromatic rearview mirror to mitigate unnecessary fender benders in the parking lot. Rain and dusk sensors also feature to bolster convenience and safety.
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