Fiat has chosen to bring back the ‘Tipo’ moniker to its brand new C-segment model which is expected to take on the likes of Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.
The earlier nomenclature of this new model was called Fiat Aegea and was showcased at the Istanbul Motor Show in May 2015. The Fiat Tipo would come in three variants including the saloon, estate and hatchback.
The Tipo moniker was employed by the company for a small family hatchback model that was sold in 1988 and was in the market till 1995. It even won the ‘European Car of the Year’ in 1989. Fiat, perhaps, is looking to leverage on the goodwill garnered by the Tipo brand name back then by launching a new model with the same name in Europe, Middle East and the African markets. However, the Aegea name will be retained in Turkey.
The all-new Tipo is designed to offer an excellent combination of practicality and value for money. The saloon variant measures 1.78 meters in width, 1.48 meters in height and 4.5 meters in length. The wheelbase is 2.65 meters and boot space is 510 liters. All these measurements indicate a comfortable five passenger seating arrangement.
The new Tipo, to be marketed under Fiat’s Functional Family offering, will be positioned as an easy-to-understand pricing structure and model range. It will come in four engine options, all claimed to be efficient, reliable and muscular. The engine options include two petrol units delivering an output of 90-120 hp and two MultiJet II turbo diesel units.
The petrol units will have options of automatic and manual transmissions whereas the diesel units will feature only the manual transmission system. The Tipo would also feature safety components such as airbags and ABS and luxury components like alloy wheels, automatic climate control and fog lamps.
The new Tipo is expected to be available in three trims including Easy, Urban and Lounge. The ‘Easy’ model would feature heated and electric door mirrors, 16 inch steel wheels, electric rear and front windows, MP3 player/Uconnect radio, AUX/USB input, front airbags, multifunctional steering wheels and ABS.
The ‘Urban’ model would come with 16 inch alloy wheels, chrome front grille, leather steering wheel with shift knobs, fog lights, automatic air conditioning system, parking sensors, cruise control, Uconnect with 5-inch touch screen panel, 3.5-inch TFT monitor for information display and curtain airbags.
The ‘Lounge’ version would feature 17-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamp, electro-chromic interior mirror, driver seat with electric lumbar support system, rain sensor and rear armrest. Other equipment featured in this version includes a rear view camera and navigation.
While the saloon/sedan version will initially be available in Turkey, the EMEA launch is expected to be in 2106. The estate and hatchback versions are expected to follow soon after.
