Since the demise of the Fiat Bravo, Fiat has been missing from the popular C-segment. To fill this gaping hole in their portfolio, Fiat has gone back in time to resurrect the Tipo name and launch a new compact car.

The Fiat Tipo is certainly very presentable from the outside. There is nothing of the flamboyant Italian about it, which is a little disappointing if you like that sort of thing, but it has a reassuringly steady, sensible design that will appeal to the masses. You won’t stand out but you could do far worse.

The cost saving measures to bring this car to market at such low pricing are revealed a little more when you get inside. The design makes it easy to interact with the controls and switches, but there is an abundance of cheap, dull-looking plastic. There is some more shiny material on the inside of the doors, but that’s not really a success either. Altogether it’s more functional than plush.

The Tipo redeems itself being generously sized for its stature. The rear legroom is very good for this class and though the middle seat is not the most comfortable place to sit, the legroom is not impinged by any clumsy high transmission tunnel, and headroom is also very good all round.

The 1.6-litre petrol is generally much smoother and quieter than the diesel engine variants, but also much slower as well. The petrol engine is just adequate but a diesel unit would be a better choice all around.

The Tipo holds the road well. The steering is too light for the car to be hugely engaging to drive but there is enough resistance to cover ground quickly and safely, and it doesn’t lean too much in the corners. Refinement on the motorway is good: road and wind noise are kept to a minimum. Ride comfort is less impressive because there is a constant little quiver underneath you even when the road ahead looks smooth.

Engine type: Inline 4
Fuel Type: Petrol (Gasoline)
Displacement: 1.6 l (1598 cm3)
Power: 110 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Layout: front engine, front wheel drive
Top speed: 192 km/h (119 mph)
Curb weight: 1205 kg (2656 lbs)
Average fuel consumption: 6.3 l/100 km (37 mpg US / 44 mpg UK)

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