Earlier in 2015, Fiat 
unveiled the Egea, a concept that previewed a compact sedan designed to replace the aging Linea. A few months later, the production car with the same name was launched in Turkey and renamed the Tipo for other markets. More recently, a hatchback version of the Tipo was spotted testing in Europe, confirming rumors that Fiat also wants a piece of the five-door compact market.
Aimed at the highly disputed C-segment that includes popular hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus, the Tipo will replace the Bravo, which was discontinued in Europe in 2014. However, like its sedan brother, the Tipo hatch will be a more affordable and simple car powered by less powerful, but significantly more fuel-efficient engines.
Details are scarce as of this writing, but the hatchback is expected to break cover in the first half of 2016 and go on sale by the end of the year. Also, even though the prototype shows very little skin, the fact that we already know what the Tipo sedan looks like, makes guessing what’s under the camo a lot easier. Find out more in my speculative review below.
Updated 02/16/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Tipo hatchback out for a new testing session. The car started to drop its camouflage and for the first time we can see the rear lights.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Fiat Tipo Hatchback.
Spy Shots
February 16, 2016 – Fiat Tipo Hatchback reveals its rear lights
December 11, 2015 – First testing session
Exterior
Although the thick layer of camouflage does a great job at keeping most of the car’s bodywork hidden , the Tipo hatchback’s design isn’t much of a mystery , as it will be nearly identical to the sedan toward the B-pillar. The front fascia will be similar, meaning it will sport a wide grille with “floating” chrome inserts , a pair of stylish headlamps, and a nicely sculpted muscular engine hood. The bumper also appears to be the same save for the round foglamps.
Around back is where the Tipo will look different than its sedan sibling, ditching the traditional deck and trunk lid in favor of a tailgate.
Around back is where the Tipo will look different than its sedan sibling, ditching the traditional deck and trunk lid in favor of a tailgate. The spy shots suggest that the taillights have also been redesigned compared to the sedan’s C-shaped units. The bumper’s lower section, on the other hand, appears to be identical.
In production form, the hatchback should benefit from the same options as the sedan. Customers should be able to pick between 16- or 17-inch wheels and seven exterior colors, including Gelato White, Colosseo Grey, Amore Red, Cinema Black, Maestro Grey, Magnetico Bronze and Canal Grande Blue.
Interior
Note: Fiat Tipo sedan pictured here.
Much like the exterior, the interior too will mirror the sedan’s. Look for the same fresh dashboard design, clean center console, new steering wheel, and a more upscale appearance overall. Although luggage space will be reduced due to the hatchback configuration, Fiat will probably retain the 60/40 split rear seats.
Technology-wise, the Tipo comes standard with an LCD screen, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth. The more expensive trim will benefit from a five-inch Uconnect touchscreen, which allows access to an array of functions including DAB radio and multimedia connectivity. A TomTom 3D navigation system with TMC and IQ Routes, and a 220-watt audio system will be standard on the range-topping version and optional on other trims.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, the hatchback should receive the same drivetrain as the sedan, meaning it will arrive with a choice of two gasoline engines and two oil burners.
The gas range will include a 1.4-liter “Fire” rated at 95 PS and 127 Nm of torque (94 horsepower and 94 pound-feet) and a 1.6-liter “E.torQ” that cranks out 110 PS and 152 Nm of torque (108 horses and 112 pound-feet). Both engines are four-cylinders.
The base model will reach 62 mph from a standing start in around 11.5 seconds and top out at 185 km/h (115 mph).
Expect performance figures to be similar to the sedan’s. The base model will reach 62 mph from a standing start in around 11.5 seconds and top out at 185 km/h (115 mph). The larger engine will return 11.2-second sprints and a top speed of 192 km/h (119 mph).
In the diesel department, Fiat will offer two MultiJet four-pots displacing 1.3 and 1.6 liters. The smaller unit will deliver 95 PS and 200 Nm (94 horsepower and 148 pound-feet), charge from 0 to 62 mph in 11.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). The larger 1.6-liter engine will generate 120 PS and 320 Nm of twist (118 horses and 236 pound-feet), hit 62 mph in 9.7 seconds, and go up to a top speed of 199 km/h (124 mph).
As with the sedan, both gasoline engines will mate to a six-speed manual transmission, while the 1.3-liter diesel will get a five-cog unit. The 1.6-liter oil burner will be the only one fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Prices
It’s too early to talk about prices here, but given that the sedan retails from €14,500 in Italy, it’s safe to assume that the hatch will cost less than that, which would also make it more affordable than the €14,000 Punto. In the U.K., the Tipo hatchback could start from around £10,000 in base trim. Production will commence at Fiat’s Bursa plant in Turkey, with deliveries to begin in 2016. Just like the sedan, the five-door will be sold in Europe and several markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Competition
Volkswagen Golf
The car to beat in this segment, the Volkswagen Golf is sold with a wide choice of powerplants in Europe, ranging from 1.0-liter three-cylinder units to 2.0-liter four-pots, in both gasoline and diesel guises. Gasoline models deliver between 84 and 148 horsepower, while oil burners generate between 108 and 148 horses. Unlike the Tipo, the Golf can also be had in three performance-oriented versions. There’s the GTI rated at 217 horses and 258 pound-feet, the R with 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet, and the diesel-powered GTD that offers 181 horses and 280 pound-feet. Prices start from £17,595 (about $27,000) and go past the £25,000 (around $38,400) mark for the range-topping models.
Read more about the Volkswagen Golf here.
Nissan Pulsar
The Nissan Pulsar is brand-new for 2015 and, much like the Tipo, it marks a fresh start for the Japanese automaker in this tough niche. Sporting Nissan ’s current styling language, the Pulsar comes with three engines. The base gasoline model uses a 1.2-liter DIG-T with 113 horsepower, while the range-topping 1.6-liter turbo-four cranks out 187 horses. The diesel version is powered by Renault ’s ubiquitous 1.5-liter dCi and comes with 108 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque on tap. Pricing for the Pulsar starts from £15,995 (about $24,550), but the range-topping model costs £22,645 (around $34,800) before options.
Find out more about the Nissan Pulsar here.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to predict what kind of impact the Tipo will have on the hatchback market at this point, but judging by the nameplates it will go against, its mission will be difficult to say the least. Nevertheless, Fiat will stand a better chance with a revised, more modern hatchback against the likes of the Nissan Pulsar and Volkswagen Golf than it did with the Bravo. Much like the sedan, the hatchback should enjoy some popularity in emerging markets due to its affordable price.