New Fiat Tipo confirmed for UK launch

Fiat has confirmed that its upcoming C-segment hatchback will take the Tipo name when it is launched in 2016. 

The new Tipo is based on the Aegea saloon, which was revealed at the Istanbul motor show earlier this year and is set to go on sale across Europe, Asia and the Middle East from December. 

Hatchback and estate forms of the new Fiat Tipo are revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motorshow

While Fiat is still deciding whether to take the saloon model in this country, both hatchback and estate variants of the car will be offered here. The Aegea name will only be kept in Turkey, a decision spurred by positive local reaction to the original project car.

The Tipo measures 4.5m in length, and is 178cm wide and 148cm high - and is designed to be able to carry five passengers. It has an overall boot capacity of 510 litres.

Opinion - why the original Tipo started a new era for Fiat

It comes with equipment such as Fiat’s Uconnect system, with a five-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs and steering wheel controls all as standard. It is also available with an optional TomTom satellite navigation system and a rear parking camera.

Fiat chose to launch the Aegea/Tipo at the Istanbul show as the car will be built at Fiat’s plant in Bursa, in Turkey, alongside the likes of the Linea, Qubo and the Doblo.

It will come with a choice of four engines - two Multijet II diesels and two petrols, with power ratings between 94bhp and 118bhp. Fiat claims that they are capable of as much as 70.6mpg - on a par with the likes of the smaller Panda model.

The Tipo hatchback has already been spotted testing in Europe - and will compete with the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Seat Leon in this country.

The original Tipo was launched in 1988 and ran until 1995.

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