Fiat Tipo

Introduction:

Fiat is a well known car maker around the globe. However, in a tight market environment dominated by home-grown brands, the company has found it hard to stand out. However, one model that strikes the right note can change the playing field. The upcoming Tipo is a model that has much promise, and the limelight turns to it with just half a year before its release. Just recently, the model had grabbed the public eye in the acclaimed Geneva Motor show. Some basic specifications have been released online, while the major share of its features remain closed under wraps. So as we scour through the model, we'd like to put it out there that everything here is purely speculative and not confirmed.

Pros:

1. Its exterior design is rather extraordinary. 

2. The cabin has a modern design with up-market finish. 

Cons:

1. Its price may exceed expectation levels, thank to its 4.37 meter length. 

2. Fiat India needs to work on improving service network. 

Standout features:

1. We expect the car to come with advanced touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system featuring a DAB radio, Bluetooth and a few other connectivity features. 

Overview:

Fiat, the Italian automobile firm has officially pulled off covers over its brand new hatchback series Fiat Tipo Hatch. The event took place at the Geneva Auto Expo, which is currently underway. The manufacturer claims that this hatchback along with its sibling Tipo sedan are manufactured at the Tofas Plant in Turkey. The car has been unveiled with two diesel engine options: 1.3-litre Multijet and a 1.6-litre Multijet II oil-burner. The petrol version of the car comes with a 1.4-litre motor that comes in two states-of-tunes. 
         
Exteriors:

Despite not having been released, images of the model have been splashed over the web. From what we've observed, the vehicle embraces the design language of a typical hatchback, while at the same time, applying a theme of sportiness. The body construct is low, slim and agile. Observers would spot a sound aerodynamic capacity in the hawk-like build, and this brings a more dynamic aura to the look. 

We thought that the wide bonnet induced a masculine character in the look, while the sharp headlamps only enhance this. The slender grille stretches between both the headlamps, and the label of the company is mounted at the centre. A large air dam broadens out at the bottom of the front skirt, with fog lamps on either side. Most people would note a bold demeanour in the shaping of the face, and we thought this made its mark in the car's exterior ambience. 

Prominent design lines run over the hood. The glossy skin caresses the side profile, giving the wheel fenders a more pronounced look. The side profile gets a vibrant look with the sweeping lines that pass through the door-sides. A strong character line tears through the bottom skirts, passing between the bottom of one wheel arch to the top of the other. The silver door handles places a smudge of plush-ness over the look, while the glossy black highlights on the window frames were also great. 

The feature we loved most about the side was the well-crafted side wheels, which brings a more formidable effect into play. We aren't sure if the wheels will be of alloy or steel, but sources indicate that there might be alloy wheels. The roof has been laden with black rails, while a small spoiler sticks out at the rear end. 

The tail section gets a more vigorous look with the small boot window, and we spotted glossy black highlights by the side here as well. The boomerang shaped tail-lamps stretch from the outside of the tail-gate to within. We thought they created a sharp look, while fog lamps at the bottom compliment the image.

Interiors:

We can't lay out anything for certain here, since the vehicle is not yet launched. However, we gathered reliable intel from the web, and have a vague picture of the look from various images. The first thing that strikes you as you gaze into the cabin, is the bold, futuristic theme shaping it. 

Passengers would get a taste of something never seen before with the oval shape of the dashboard, and the fine creases flowing over them. The centre console is laid out with the music system and a small display screen at the top. A glossy black colour coats the area, and we thought this brought a splendid touch to the design. 

Two wide AC tracts are poised right below this. Three large knobs rest at the bottom of the console, serving as controls to the seating and AC. The wide metallic strip that laces the bottom of the dash was great, but we thought the metal lacked the polish seen in other models. 

By the corner, the steering wheel is shaped with a sporty design that we're sure most people will love. A small cluster of controls are present on both sides of the wheel, boosting convenience and ease of working for the driver. The Fiat label sitting by the centre invites a more distinguished tone in the entire cabin set-up. 

Not much has been revealed about the seating, but we can take a hunch that the company presents strong fabric upholstery to wrap the seats in. Headrests and armrests are sure to be present, and you could also be sure of some convenience functions such as adjustment, reclining and bolstered support. 

Performance:

The all-new Fiat Tipo Hatchback made its debut at the Geneva Auto show with four engine options: two petrol and two diesel motors.

Petrol:

It is the same 1.4-litre unit, which can be seen under the hood of other Fiat cars. This is a turbocharged     4-cylinder mill, which is claimed to have a power output of 118bhp and a mammoth torque of 206Nm. the same motor comes in a less-powerful version that churns out a power of 94bhp and a torque of 125Nm. Fiat engines are known for performance and expect the same with these power plants. We expect that the transmission duties will be handled by a five speed manual or a six speed automatic transmission gearbox.

Diesel:

The diesel versions are unveiled with a 1.3 litre Multijet oil-burner, which is perhaps one of the most awarded engines in its class. This 4-cylinder turbocharged powerplant has the ability to churn out a power of 94bhp and a mammoth torque of 200Nm. Another one is a more powerful 1.6-litre Multijet II diesel engine. This power plant has the ability to unleash a peak power of 118bhp and a torque of 320Nm. Like the petrol motor, both these engines are expected to be offered with either 5 speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. 

Ride and Handling:

Fiat is not the type of company that compromises with respect to the build dynamics, and we're quite convinced that this vehicle would come with some strong chassis and braking arrangements. Strong disc brakes would ascertain a good cornering ability when driving, and we could be certain that the top end trims come with some advanced techno programs, such ABS, EBD and ESC. Meanwhile, helical coil springs, a stabiliser bar, shock absorbers and many more vital tools would be thrown into the suspension design, helping to keep the ride comfy and safe all through. An electronic power steering could also be expected. This function would relieve much hassle for the man behind the wheel, while at the same time, holding the control and handling together. 

Safety:

Most of this company's models share a basic safety template, and this includes airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and a central door locking system. We're ready to bet that the company also includes Anti-lock braking system, Electronic stability control, and many other drive systems that build control. However, they may not be available for the lower end trims, which could be a downside for many awaiting audiences. DRL LED lights have been confirmed, and this would help to keep a sound visibility when driving. 

Variants and Verdict:

The variant line-up has not been confirmed as of now, but the list could include upto four trims. While the lower end trims would come with some basic features, you could expect an extravagant layout for the top end variants, with Bluetooth, six airbags, a DAB radio, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and many more facilities. After studying all we could about this upcoming model, we can't hide that we are ready and pumped for it. The model has glamour on all faces, from the racy exteriors to the refined cabin and also the engine, safety and chassis systems. From where we're sitting, this looks like Fiat's doorway to success in the Indian market. But at the end, the vehicle is bound to disappoint at some areas, and we're going to have to wait for it to launch before we get the full picture of where it shines and where it doesn't.