Fiat Tipo 1.6 Multijet II Lounge review

Having launched the 500X crossover last year with fleet in mind, Fiat is now re-entering the biggest corporate sector with the new Tipo, which it is targeting the Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30.

Fiat is hoping to appeal on value with the new Tipo. It’s certainly well-priced, with the top-spec Lounge model coming with rear-view camera, 17-inch alloys, five-inch touchscreen satnav, auto lights and wipers, climate control, and chrome detailing for £17,940 in 120hp 1.6-litre diesel form, where high-spec rival models tend to be well over £20,000.

That doesn’t always translate to a winning cost per mile case, but Fiat backs up the low price and decent spec with a 98g/km emissions figure, and a residual value of 33.0% that trumps the relative Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed and Renault Megane models.

Interior space is good, with Fiat claiming that all the measurements are between above average and class-leading. All the doors open to an angle of 80°, which makes entry and exit easy, although it’s something to be mindful of in tight car parks.

The navigation is well behind the best on the market, looking dated and struggling to keep up with the car’s position, which isn’t helpful on busy roundabouts. But otherwise the Tipo has a pleasant and sensible interior, apart from the gear lever stitching that scratches the palm, and if you have a hunt, it’s not hard to find some cheaper hard plastics.

Fiat describes the new Tipo as “not a budget car, but a car for a budget”, and that’s poetically apt. It’s not flamboyant or flash in any way, but offers very sensible running costs, practicality and decent kit levels for those that choose their vehicle via spreadsheet rather than heart strings.

There’s nothing wrong with that approach, and the new Tipo surprises in its ability to make a very compelling business case, if not quite such a strong emotional one.