Review 2016 Fiat Tipo 1.6 Multijet 120 Lounge First Driive

It’s not the most pleasurable car, either to drive or to sit in, but if you’re just after competitively priced transport, there’s plenty going for it.

As an entirely rational choice, it is very difficult to argue with Fiat Tipo. It gives a lot of space and a decent amount of kit for the price is very tempting, and it will be quite cheap to run as well. It's not the most fun car, either to drive or sit in, but if you just competitive price after transportation, there is a lot going for it.

Need to know:

• Fiat new rival for the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra
• Available in hatchback and station wagon body styles
• On sale now, starting at £ 12,995

Something of a departure for Fiat. With most of the other models, the words that are used to promote them is all about style, flair and joie de vivre (or whatever the Italian equivalent is). With Tipo - new rival Fiat for major family hatchback like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra - the language used by far more, well, absurd. Here, it's all about affordability and practicality, and for buyers who prioritize value-for-money above all else, that would be no bad thing.

Very, good, reasonable. Hike in Tipo, and you can immediately see it for what it is: a hatchback budget that concentrates on the basics rather than fripperies. The interior is made very few concessions to style or plushness, with the layout of a conventional earnest, and the ingredients were a little short on tactility. However, the simplicity of making things easy to use, and any material deficiencies in poshness, they make up for in solidity.

One of the best things about the cabin Tipo is the amount of space inside. This generous enough that a pair of six-foot adults can sit in the back behind a pair of friends of the same size in the front, and with room to spare. An average transmission tunnel makes life a little comfier for a fifth passenger, too, but brokers still have to sit in a chair that is a little harder and higher than both sides. boot, meanwhile, is more comfortable than in most family hatchback rivals, delivering an impressive 440 liters of space. However, there is a large lip to negotiate when loading heavy items, and the rear seats recline at an awkward angle when you fold them.

Given the budget status car, the cabin is also filled with a number of very decent kit. version of Easy entry-level comes with air-con, remote locking, electric front windows, six airbags and a stereo that includes DAB, Bluetooth and steering wheel controls, but you'll want to pay an extra £ 1,000 for Easy Plus for bringing alloys, rear parking sensors, cruise control, front fog lights, rear window powered, touch screen stereo and leather steering wheel. Another big get you upgraded to the Lounge trim, which adds additional chrome accents, automatic lights and wipers, rear view camera, climate control and sat-nav.

Tipo budget status can be felt a little more on the way. notchy gearshift sad, strange steering weight, feel somewhat artificial and inconsistent weighted, and suspensions may struggle to deal with some ruts more severely battered road network in the UK can throw at it, especially at low urban speeds. That said, the car never gets to the point of being uncomfortable, and it did not work to change direction with reasonable accuracy thanks to a decent body control. It's not fun or as cultured as the best car in the class, but it is not at all bad considering the low price.

Therefore, prices are not as low as might be where our test car was worried, because we drove the 1.6-liter diesel version in the Lounge trim - pretty much the most expensive model you can get. Even so, the machine is a highlight, with a generous low-down encouragement give you good flexibility for a good, easy life. speed remained quite limited when you are working harder, but the unit always remains fairly smooth, adding a relaxing nature of the car.

All too often, it is common for the 'budget' car to have all the shortcomings of the budget car, but do not have a price tag low enough to justify them. Fortunately, Fiat has not been too greedy in this case, because the price is really impressive. The range starts at just £ 12,995, and £ 1,000 jump in price as you upgrade through five engines and three trim, even the most expensive Tipo comes at just £ 18,995. As a result, cost a fair chunk less than rivals such as Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed and Nissan Pulsar, especially Astras and focus the world.

It would prove to be quite affordable to run, too. Version we drove was the cleanest available, official figures impressive return 76.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 98g / km. All diesel engines beat 70mpg, and although no one can beat 50mpg petrols, they all get close.

the resale value will be quite key to your long-term cost of ownership, and although we have seen no figures yet, we can not imagine they will be all the stronger by nature a budget car. However, when you pay so little in the first place, your losses will be still quite minimal.

In short, Tipo is a very honest car that does exactly what it says on the tin. It's not the most attractive, the most desired and most advanced cars of its type, but it costs you a few thousand less than the car. If all you need is basic transportation for a cheap price-basement, then you will definitely want to give this car a look.

Key facts:

• Model: Fiat Tipo 1.6 Multijet 120 Lounge 5dr
• Price: £17,995
• Engine: 1.6-litre diesel, six-speed manual
• Power/Torque: 118bhp/236lb ft
• 0-62mph: 9.8secs
• Top speed: 124mph
• Economy: 76.3mpg
• CO2/BIK tax liability: 98g/km/19%
• Boot space: 440 litres

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