Award-winner launched in PE
Fiat Tipo unveilings follow vehicles’ European debut
FOR the second time in a month a national motoring company has chosen the Bay as the centre for the launch of a new vehicle.
Volkswagen launched the new Golf model range to journalists from around the country recently, and two weeks ago Fiat unveiled the new Tipo in the city.
The venue was the beautifully restored Tramways building in Baakens Valley.
The Tipo hatchback and its sedan sibling follows a highly successful European debut.
After a briefing, it was time to hit the road to the Big Time Greek Taverna in St Francis Bay and then, after a leisurely lunch, it was back to PE.
The Tipo family has been awarded a string of accolades, the latest the prestigious Autobest Best Buy Car 2016 award, chosen by a jury of 26 journalists from Europe’s most authoritative car magazines.
Two body styles, three trim levels, three engines and three transmission types are available locally. The sedan will be available in the POP or EASY versions, while the hatchback will come in the POP, EASY or LOUNGE configurations.
The engine range offers one diesel and two petrol derivatives, targeting the heart of the 70 to 81kW market. Transmission can be five- or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, depending on the engine.
Emissions range between 117g/km and 146g/km of CO². Fuel consumption ranges from 3.3l/100km – pretty impressive.
The new car features a suspension layout designed for dynamic driving, brilliant road-holding and outstanding comfort, as we found out on the drive.
There are independent McPherson struts on the front axle and an interconnected torque beam on the rear.
The Tipo easily accommodates five passengers and even tall people up to 1.87m at the front and 1.80m in the rear travel in comfort. The secret is the regular shape of the rear end, with the horizontal roof profile providing added cabin head room.
Leg room is also class-leading. Even the centre rear seat offers comfortable leg room.
Quality and finish are good, unlike some of the Fiats in years gone by. The range consists of:
Fiat Tipo Sedan
1.4l POP – R229 900 1.4l EASY – R249 900 1.3l D EASY – R274 900 1.6l EASY Auto – R274 900
Fiat Tipo Hatchback
1.4l POP – R249 900 1.4l EASY – R269 900 1.4l LOUNGE – R289 900 1.6l EASY Auto – R294 900 All Fiat Tipo models come with a standard three-year/100 000km warranty and service plan.