The new Fiat Tipo hatchback and estate were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Joining the Tipo saloon, which was previously unveiled at the Istanbul Motor Show last summer, the new Tipo body styles share the same principles.
Fiat says the new Tipo hatchback is exceptionally roomy and is capable of accommodating three six-feet-plus adult passengers in the rear, thanks to class-leading legroom and outstanding headroom.
Fiat also claims boot capacity is also best-in-class with a volume of 440 litres, while the estate version adds an additional 110 litres of boot space which, at 550 litres, is also class leading. It can carry loads of up to 1.8m in length courtesy of an extra 20cm of length (4.57m ); a flip-and-fold 60/40 split rear seats and completely flat load floor. The estate body style has a height of 1.51m thanks to the standard-fit longitudinal roof bars.
Loading the estate's boot is aided by a low load sill with reconfigurable components such as an adjustable load floor and removable side storage panels to further increase the width of the luggage compartment. The roller covers can conveniently be removed with one hand and stored under the floor panel, while two lights, two bag hooks and four load-retaining hooks positioned on the floor provide added convenience.
In terms of the model range, both the hatchback and estate (saloon availability in Ireland TBC ) will be offered in three trim levels with air conditioning, remote central locking, rear electric windows (estate only ), electric mirrors, six airbags, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel remote controls on all versions. Full range details will be announced closer to the car’s Irish launch.
The engine range will comprise five engines in total. There are two turbo diesel engines – a 1.3-litre MultiJet II producing 95hp and 200Nm and a 1.6-litre MultiJet II with an output of 120hp and 320Nm, while the petrol engine range comprises a 1.4-litre 16v producing 95hp and 125Nm, a 1.4 turbo petrol with 120hp and 206Nm and the 1.6-litre e-TorQ engine producing 110hp and 152Nm and combined exclusively to a six-speed, torque converter automatic transmission.
The 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine, fitted with second-generation MultiJet technology and variable geometry turbocharger, delivers remarkable fuel efficiency and low emissions: on the official combined test cycle, the Fiat Tipo 1.6 MultiJet II 120hp returned 76.3mpg (3.7 litres/100km ) and produces just 98g/km of CO2 emissions. This engine can also be combined with a six-speed TCT twin-clutch transmission.
