Fiat Tipo hatch SPOTTED – EXCLUSIVE

Fiat will resurrect the Tipo name for its new C-segment hatchback in 2016. The name – meaning ‘type’ in Italian – was originally used for a small family car between 1988 and 1995, and it even won the European Car of the Year prize in 1989.

This one has grown out from the Fiat Aegea Project saloon concept revealed at May’s Istanbul Motor Show, the new Fiat Tipo will rival some of the world’s biggest selling cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus. The first one to be out is the sedan followed by the hatchback seen on our spy photos. Later on we will also see a wagon with the Tipo name plate. The Tipo was designed in Italy and developed in Turkey, where it will retain its Aegea concept name.

The production is set to be in Turkey at the Bursa plant.

This hatchback will be based on the Fiat Tipo sedan, the hatchback is likely to borrow its diesel engine, which includes two Multijet turbodiesel engines and two petrol engines. Power output ranges from 93bhp to 117bhp, and is sent through a manual or automatic gearbox to the front wheels.The sales are expected to start in Europe during 2016 and it will even get a RHD version set for the UK. Other markets that are targeted by Fiat could get it in India, Middle East and Africa. These will made in the company’s Ranjangaon plant and will be exported to all right-hand drive markets like Europe. The new compact Jeep will also be manufactured in Indian plant and exported to multiple plants.