Each also features myriad useful touches, including several storage compartments and a USB port for charging mobile devices.Ĭabin ergonomics are reputed to be excellent and Fiat makes a particular note about ‘secondary controls which can be easily reached without the driver taking their eyes off the road’. The estate boot is an even roomier 550 litres, with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats still in place, but no seats-down figure has been specified yet. The brief appears to have focused primarily on everyday usability the Tipo is claimed to comfortably accommodate three six-feet-plus adults in the back, for example, while the hatchback offers 440 litres of boot space. It was designed in Italy and developed in Turkey, where it is now also built.

What’s clear is that this should hopefully prove a cost-effective, practical and serviceable choice – which is what many buyers are looking for. Phrases like ‘class-leading legroom and boot space’, ‘exceptional roominess’ and ‘extremely competitive’ are bandied around by Fiat suits. It’s hoped to fare much better, thanks to its unpretentious and affordable nature. Think of it as a successor to the Bravo/Brava and Stilo. This, the new Fiat Tipo, which will be offered in hatchback and estate forms. And can you still believe that the Punto’s still on sale? That first appeared in 2005 and has been dragging its heels ever since… Models like the Panda are pleasant enough but, having been launched in 2011, now feel aged and are falling by the wayside – particularly when pitched against newer competition such as the Suzuki Celerio and Hyundai i10.

That’s not to say its range is devoid of appeal. While it initially appears relatively well populated, there’s little in terms of a heavy-hitting volume model – despite the company’s best efforts to spin various derivatives of the 500, like the crossover 500X, into busier segments. Why has Fiat struggled to boost its volumes?Ī glance at the brand’s line-up reveals all. A competitive, competent and affordable family hatch – forming part of the brand’s new ‘rational’ division – could be just the ticket to reinvigorate the company. While cars like the diminutive 500 and recently launched 500X are proving popular, they aren’t sold in huge numbers.

Besides representing a slight drop compared with February 2015’s sales, it’s trailing far behind rivals like Ford (11,513 cars in the same month), Volkswagen (6694) and Vauxhall (7868).Įven upstart brands, like Kia and Hyundai, registered nigh-on 3000 cars apiece – leaving Fiat comprehensively behind. Fiat needs more mainstream sales: its range is limited to mostly 500-derived models and the company registered 1917 cars in the UK in February 2016.

Πατρίδα by R.A. Salvatore