the FIAT Tipo model has both numerous “pros” and significant cons. But one thing is certain, this car is worth your attention. Why? You’ll find answers in the article.
Positioning
The current model FIAT Tipo resembles the C-class hatchback of the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, in 2015, the new FIAT Tipo appeared to us in the shape of a sedan and replaced the “overgrown” FIAT Linea model. A little later (2016), the FIAT Tipo model range was replenished with hatchback and wagon bodies of 4.37 and 4.57 m, respectively. Plus, these versions have replaced the FIAT Bravo, a typical C-class hatch. As a result, we obtain the whole FIAT Tipo family, which is located at the junction of the BC classes.
The current model FIAT Tipo owes its birth not only to the parent company FIAT, but also to the Turkish factory Tofas, where a considerable part of the development of the car was carried out, as well as full-scale production was launched. By the way, in Turkey the car is called FIAT Aegea. But among its predecessors, you can remember the first FIAT Tipo, and also FIAT Linea and FIAT Bravo.
The article presents FIAT Tipo with a turbodiesel in the Mid configuration, there is also a note about driving with the gasoline version. In addition, other bodies and configurations are briefly described here.
How is the driving?
In this part I describe the behavior of the car on the road, and then turn to the exterior and interior. And here the FIAT Tipo contrasts : there are both drastic remarks and commendable decisions.
For example, let’s consider the engine. The small turbodiesel (1.3 liter is written on the lid, but in reality its volume is even smaller – 1,248 cubic cm) is clearly different with its “torsional” petrol character. It is unexpectedly weak for a diesel engine at low revs, but it “wakes up” with a good load from 1.8-2 thousand rpm and is then ready to spin up to 4.5-5 thousand. However, in reality you will not use the range of 2-5 thousand rpm, because after 3-3.5 thousand rpm the engine becomes too noisy, it roars too loud. As a result, two driving modes are obtained: either very slowly and economically in the “up to 2 thousand” mode, or relatively quickly and dynamically in the “2-3.5 thousand” mode, and in the latter case the consumption increases.
Besides, a small operating range and standard 5-speed manual transmission led to the fact that for one particularly taken speed, there is only one gear and certain engine speed . If you choose a gear higher or lower, the engine will turn out to be either a low-speed zone without a thrust, or in a high-speed zone with a high level of noise. At the same time, the box is distinguished by great effort when switching on 1-2 gears (although the rest of the gear is switched on easily), since the moves and clarity are quite good. As a result, FIAT Tipo diesel requires a lot of switching, constant work with the engine and attention to tachometer.
The FIAT Tipo sedan looks like it’s not a “budget sedan”, but a “business sedan”: a balanced classic silhouette, lots of chrome, a luxurious volumetric grille, massive door handles, narrowed headlights, and sophisticated lights. Yes, ordinary light bulbs are in the headlights. Yes, wheels with hubcaps. But the wow effect is great: FIAT Tipo looks more expensive than its price! And I will note that the test car is not presented in the maximum version, but on the contrary – the “basis” with a couple of options. It is a pity, but the “expensive” impression of the appearance can not be supported by the turbo diesel and 5-speed manual transmission.
and about the suspension : strange, but the test diesel FIAT Tipo sedan managed to combine the shaking on the small bumps (pressure checked in tires) with swinging on large bumps. Turning fast, there are tangible rolls. In short, the suspension is both shaking, and swaying at the same time. Fortunately, although the steering is good: a quick and unambiguous response to turning the “steering wheel”, a pleasantly heavy steering wheel allows you to control every degree of turning, plus the CITY mode for those who like light weightless steering and it’s used in the parking lot.
But there are two important nuances. Firstly, FIAT Tipo, which was frustrating in the city, is revealed in all its beauty on the highway: at a speed of 80-120 km / h, the engine works just in the optimal speed zone – it is already pulling but not yet noisy. Plus, the suspension does not seem hard-shake-roll, but it seems moderately resilient to provide good stability of movement and sufficient comfort when driving on uneven surface. Secondly, having a number of questions on behavior of the car, I decided to drive another version of FIAT Tipo, in order to understand whether these are the problems of this model on the whole or of the particular version.
A small client test drive from a FIAT dealer on the Tipo gasoline version. The engine is rather weak: initially I thought it was the previous version of the 77 hp engine, but the manager assured me that it was the updated 95 hp engine with a 16-valve cylinder head. Though it is pleasant to control the engine thrust (albeit small) here: the engine starts thrusting from 1.5 thousand rpm and gradually linearly increases the power to 4.5-5 thousand rpm. And it is noticeably quieter, which allows you to actually use the engine at high speeds.
Yes, and 6-st. manual transmission is good: less effort when switching, a short lever stroke. Plus, due to close gear ratios and a wider working area of the engine, the choice of gear is not so urgent: it could be high or low. It was not possible to note the fuel consumption, but the manager says that in the city it starts from 6.5 liters with empty roads and a slow ride up to 8.5-9 liters at a normal speed and taking into account traffic jams. And a gray gasoline car at a similar price with a white diesel offered the best configuration: alloy wheels, climate control …
And in general: the FIAT Tipo interior is one big solid advantage. FIAT Tipo is able to “serve” itself right: a huge array of soft plastic on the front panel, a silver horizontal bar leads to a couple of buttons, a stylish and neat steering wheel with a pleasant finish (you don’t even realize at once that there is no leather).
The FIAT Tipo model is good even in trifles: the stereo system is simple, but all in gloss and soft-touch coating around the case, the seats are comfortable and please with contrasting beige and black trim, the speaker reticles on doors are made in waves . There is an armrest, AUTO-mode windows, internal door handles with “chrome” . These are all basic elements, but it is surprising why FIAT Tipo tried and did it, but others did not.
The rear is quite spacious (although there are more spacious competitors), the back is set at a good angle. But of the extra amenities – only door pockets : here FIAT Tipo remained within the framework of the B-class, but did not make a step higher to the C-class (armrest, ventilation deflectors). But then the price of the B-class! By the way, the situation with the trunk is similar: it is large (520 l), offers a good rectangular shape, the backs of the back row can be folded separately, it can be opened from the remote control, there is even an upholstery on the cover.
But it doesn’t offer side niches for small things, plus the lack of an internal handle for closing is disappointing a little bit. It seems like it’s possible to open the trunk without making hands dirty but it’s impossible to keep your hands clean when you shut it.
The interior deserves praise: for this class and price – excellent finishing materials, cool design, pleasant attention to details. The seats are comfortable, provide good side support. And let me remind you once again: a test car is about “basis”, this kind of salon can be obtained for the minimal price of FIAT Tipo! At the rear it’s not that exciting, but on the whole FIAT Tipo is good: quite spacious, comfortable to sit in. The trunk is also without exquisite details , but the main issue is a decent volume, a good shape and smooth walls of the wheel arches, the presence of a “reserve” – everything is fine
Summing up the results. Diesel – only for highway or drive in the city “slowly and economically.” Gasoline is simpler, more pleasant, versatile (yes, even if the consumption is higher). During the test drive at the dealer’s, pay attention to the work of the suspension of different versions of Tipo. But be sure – in any case, you get a great exterior and cool interior.
Is there any innovation?
The FIAT Tipo is built on the Small Wide LWB platform, which is also used in some other FIAT vehicles – for example, the 500L compact van. But if we consider the “derived” platforms Small , you’ll see that almost all past and current models of Italians are built on it: Linea, Punto Evo, 500X, Qubo. In general, this is a common platform for this class of cars: MacPherson independent suspension in front, semi-independent twisting “beam” at the rear, transverse arrangement of the engine, 5-speed. or 6th st. manual.
The base engines – the usual petrol atmospheric 1.4 liter capacity of 95 horses. As an alternative, two MultiJet diesel engines (direct fuel injection and a turbine) are proposed: a 95-horsepower 1.3 liter engine (actually 1.25 liters) or a 120-hp 1.6-liter engine. Still, one technological feature was found – it is an electric power steering with CITY mode. As noted above, the steering wheel was initially quite heavy. But with the press of the CITY button, it becomes noticeably lighter: it can be rotated, not with one finger, but with two or three for sure.
It’s simple: the body – bearing, front suspension – independent MacPherson, rear suspension – transverse “beam”. Under the hood there is either a gasoline atmospheric engine, or one of the MultiJet series diesel engines: all engines have previously been encountered on other FIAT models. 1.4 liter gasoline engine is simple and unpretentious. Senior diesel 1.6 liters – as well, although sometimes there were problems with the EGR unit. But reviews of the diesel 1.3 l have contrasts: some of them show dissatisfaction with the timing chain and a small resource on a commercial Doblo (fault of operation with a heavy load?), Others go hundreds of thousands of kilometers and do not grumble. One of the technical features is CITY mode for power steering, which is known from other Fiat models.
Then I could talk about the 1.4 T-Jet turbo engine with 120 hp. or about cars with automatic transmission, but the truth is that similar versions are not delivered to us. But such options as tier control, adaptive headlights, active cruise control, reading road signs are absent. But there is a branded multimedia system Uconnect, which offers a 7-inch color touchscreen and support for CarPlay technology (exactly like this, without Apple) and Android Auto. However, the test car was equipped with only a simple stereo system – but with glossy buttons and a contrasting black and white display.
Beautiful devices offer a simple on-board computer display, though its functionality is quite sufficient: power reserve, fuel consumption, average speed, temperature. The base audio system was installed in the test car – there are few functions, but it looks cool and pleases with the presence of USB / AUX-ports. In the more expensive versions of the model there is a matrix display BC (as an example – a gray gasoline car), a colour touchscreen in the cabin, a rear-view camera.
Prices and competitors
FIAT Tipo sedan opens the model range with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine (95 hp) in the Mid configuration, for which about $ 13 thousand, depending on the year of production and a small difference in configuration. FIAT even in its “base” version is good: ABS and ESP, six airbags (including side curtains), air conditioning, power windows , an on-board computer, a branded audio system, etc. A similar car with a turbo diesel 1.3 l (95 l . p.) is estimated at $ 13.5-14 thousand.
The FIAT Tipo HB hatchback is only available with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine (95 hp) and in the POP configuration: for example, a dashboard with a 3.5-inch matrix display has been added. Price – about $ 15.7 thousand. Finally, the FIAT Tipo SW wagon is always offered only with a 1.6 liter 120 hp turbo diesel engine, but in two configurations. Easy version at a price of $ 17,000. offers all the equipment of a sedan and hatchback, plus climate control, a 5-inch color display. Lounge version at a price of 17.8 thousand. adds the following: rear-view camera, 7-inch display in the cabin, support for the integration of smartphones, 16-inch alloy wheels.
In addition to the two sedans presented above, FIAT Tipo can also be a hatchback or wagon. The first offers compactness (length of 4.37 m), 440-liter trunk, ordinary engine and equipment. But the wagon is interesting: a powerful 1.6-liter diesel, other headlights, light-alloy wheels, roof rails, a special seat upholstery fabric, a roomy trunk with a 2-level floor, a large touchscreen in the cabin. Please note: the shape of the front panel has changed, but not its quality – soft!
There are many competitors: Citroen C-Elysee, Peugeot 301, Hyundai Accent, Renault Logan, SKODA Rapid, Ravon R4, Ravon Gentra, VW Polo Sedan. We analyze the situation with competitors in detail.
Firstly, the “eternal” competitor is Renault Logan – it is only slightly cheaper, but much simpler in decoration and equipment, plus (more precisely, “minus”), it also does not have automatic transmission. Secondly, the French couple Peugeot 301 and Citroen C-Elysee: a spacious lounge, a choice of engines and configurations, there are versions with automatic transmission, and the prices are already good.
However, they can look like this only in expensive top trim, as FIAT Tipo does “in the basis”, and you can not even dream about the soft plastic in the cabin. And the French lack the choice of body type: only a sedan, there are no versions of a hatchback or a wagon. The third competitor is Hyundai Accent, with two generations at once. The newest generation Accent drives cool and has impressive equipment, but then it costs a lot: it only begins where FIAT is already ending. The past generation of the model costs less, but does not promise such outstanding behavior on the road, it is just a B-class sedan. Ravon cars attract with their price, however, an unknown brand (UZ-Daewoo in the past) and an assembly in Uzbekistan cause concern.
The VW and Skoda cars, on the contrary, are well-known, but expensive: nominally there are basic rather inexpensive options, but for the same money, FIAT Tipo will offer the best equipment. Finally, I’ll note the old Ford Focus and the old Toyota Corolla model: thanks to discounts , they are at the price of FIAT Tipo, but this will be the simplest configurations, while the “Italian-Turkish” is near the maximum – diesel wagon, with a camera and a touchscreen, “climate”, light alloy wheels, etc.
The car FIAT Tipo at least costs, which is not so little for this class: there are cheaper competitors. But if you start to consider a complete set, it appears that FIAT Tipo is one of the most profitable offers in the classroom! Plus, the choice of engine, bodywork, kits, options … Calling FIAT Tipo’s market positioning “excellent” is only hampered by our lack of versions with automatic transmission. Beside FIAT Tipo, the Renault Logan model looks too simple, Ravon scares away with brand and design, while other competitors are more expensive. As a result, the most dangerous rivals are, perhaps, a couple of “French”- Citroen and Peugeot.
Cost of maintenance
Diesel car in the city consumes 6.5-7 liters per 100 kilometers, which is quite a lot. However, if you drive slowly in order to save, and even get lucky with the absence of traffic jams, then you can “squeeze out” about 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km. On a highway at a speed of 80-90 km / h, fuel consumption is 3.5-4 liters per 100 km, and at a speed of 110-120 km / h, the consumption increases to 4.5-5 liters per 100 km, which is still not much .
The total warranty on the car – three years or 100 thousand kilometers. The frequency of inspection is once a year or 15 000 km.
Prices for car and maintenance are indicated as of October, excluding additional discounts and promotions that are valid when buying a car or servicing it.
Security
The car passed the standard crash test EuroNCAP. Assessment of the basic version – 3/5. Evaluation of the version with additional security package – 4/5. In general, good protection in case of a frontal impact with an offset to a deformable object and a side impact. But it received only the satisfactory marks for a frontal strike all over the entire width and for the presence of additional auxiliary systems that affect safety..
Eventually
is it possible to say that FIAT Tipo, which is hidden in the shadow of its more famous competitors, is a “find” and “revelation” in its class? Unfortunately, but given the considerable number of negative remarks – I can’t be sure.
But, at the same time, with 100% confidence, I can say that the car deserves your attention: it looks great and offers a cool interior, it has a choice of versions for different tastes (body, engine, equipment), and all this is available for a relatively little money. Just before buying a FIAT Tipo, make a test drive at the dealer’s with different versions of the car, in order to find the most suitable variant.
Pros:
+ Looks great externally and in the cabin – more expensive than its price and better than the typical B-class
+ Wide selection: there are different options for the body, complete sets, engines
+ Turbodiesel can be economical, and drive fast as well …
Cons:
– … frustrating fuel consumption and noise
– There are no versions with automatic transmission and it is not clear how to order them or when they‘ll be available
– A strong dependence of the chassis on the version, engine, tires
Technical characteristics of FIAT Tipo 1,3 MultiJet
Body – sedan, 5 seats
Dimensions – 4.53 x 1.79 x 1.5 m
Wheelbase – 2.64 m
Clearance – 150 mm
Trunk – 520 L (5 seats)
The minimum equipped weight – 1 345 kg
Engine – turbo diesel, R4, 1.25 l
Power – 95 hp at 3,750 rpm
Torque – 200 Nm at 1 500 rpm
Power density and torque – 71 hp per 1 ton; 149 Nm per 1 t
Front-wheel drive
Transmission – 5-speed. Manual transmission
Dynamics 0-100 km / h – 11.8 s
Maximum speed – 183 km / h
Fuel consumption (passport), city – 5.4 liters per 100 km
Fuel consumption (passport), highway – 3.5 liters per 100 km
Test car tires – Bridgestone Turanza T001 195 / 65R15
The minimum price for a car is about $ 12.9 thousand
The price of the test car – about $ 14 thousand
Recent Comments