By Khulekani Dumisa

Fiat has refreshed the Fiat Tipo range for 2021 and will be offered in three trims – Tipo, City Life, and Life. The updated range will still be available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback guise.

Exterior

The new front bears a redesign grille, a highlight of which is the new Fiat logo. The Tipo is also the first Fiat car to take on this logo. The headlights have been completely redesigned, certain models now featuring day-time running lights and full-LED treatment in both the front and rear. The bumper in the lower section of the car, completely redesigned by adding elements in the brushed chrome ice matte finish, is paired with new 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels with diamond finish and new designs.

Interior

Inside, the eats feature fabrics with exclusive designs. The fully configurable 3.5”-inch TFT digital cluster replaces the conventional analogue instrument panel. The cluster comes with the all-new UConnect 5” radio. The steering wheel has also been redesigned. Changes have also been made to the central control panel, where the air conditioning settings have been revisited and new chrome and black inserts added.

When it comes to infotainment, the Tipo is equipped with the fifth-generation UConnect 5 infotainment system with Navigation. The system is available with a 5” inch screen.

Other additions include a new white backlight for all the controls in the passenger compartment as well as a USB port for the rear seats

Safety

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is now standard across the Tipo range as is Fiat’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system. Safety and security enhancements include keyless entry on some models, as well as a reverse camera and front parking sensors, making potentially vulnerable parking lot manoeuvres safer and more convenient.

Also enhancing mobility is a full-size spare wheel.

Three trims

Tipo

Starting off the range is the Tipo sedan powered by the 1,4-litre petrol engine with six-speed manual transmission. The Tipo features a height adjustable driver’s seat, manual air conditioning and electric windows for front seat occupants along with Bluetooth audio with controls on the steering wheel. Stylish hubcaps on 15-inch steel wheels distinguish the exterior from other models in the range.

City Life

City Life add automatic air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel in leather, electric mirrors, and remote central locking, along with 16-inch alloy wheels. Front fog lights further distinguish CITY LIFE sedans.

The City Life sedans also benefit from cruise control, rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors. The infotainment system includes Navigation along with the 3,5-inch TFT display.

The City Life Auto offers 17-inch alloy wheels and gloss black door handles along with the 1,6-litre petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Adjustable lumbar support and keyless entry get added, while automatic headlights and windscreen wipers add further convenience.

Fiat Tipo hatchback is available In CITY LIFE and LIFE models with either a 1,4-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual or a 1,6-litre engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Hatchback models benefit from a rear-view camera as standard, along with other comfort features that include a height adjustable driver’s seat, floor mats, and steering wheel controls. City Life hatches run on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Day-time Running Lights and LED headlights are standard. The new 3,5-inch TFT display and five-inch Navigation radio are also standard.

Life

Life hatchbacks add cruise control and driver seat lumbar support adjustment to the convenience package, along with keyless-go. Automatic headlights and rain sensor enhance safety and convenience, as does the electrochromatic rear view mirror. They are distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels externally.

Power and transmission

The refreshed Tipo range is available with Fiat’s 1,4-litre petrol engine that is paired with a six-speed manual or 1,6-litre petrol motor with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 1,4-litre petrol engine makes 70kW and 127Nm. This allows the Tipo to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 11,5 seconds and on to a top speed of 185km/h. Fuel consumption is estimated to be 7,7 l/100km around town and as low as 4,5 l/100km on the open road.

For the automatic option, the Tipo is offered with a 1,6-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Delivering 81kW and 152Nm, zero to 100km/h acceleration is achievable in 11,2 seconds along with a top speed of 192km/h. Fuel economy is 9,2 l/100km on the urban cycle and 4,6 l/100km on the extra-urban cycle.

Pricing

The refreshed Tipo range is priced as follows: 

Prices include a 5 years/100,000km warranty and a 3 years/100,000km service plan.