After relying on a handful of mostly uncompetitive models in Europe, Fiat->ke30 is finally getting the attention it deserves from FCA. Having launched the 500X mini SUV->ke145 in 2014, and the 124 Spider at the Los Angeles Auto Show,->ke211 the Italian brand is now introducing a new compact sedan->ke142 that will replace the aging Linea.->ke1982 The new four-door goes by the name Tipo and it is aimed at the highly disputed C-segment, which includes nameplates such as the Toyota Corolla,->ke1039 Ford Focus Sedan->ke440, and Chevrolet Cruze Sedan.->ke3230

The Tipo name (meaning "type" in Italian) is not new, as Fiat used it for a hatch it built between 1988 and 1995. Bolted on a then-brand-new platform it shared with various Alfa Romeo->ke1386 and Lancia models, the Tipo replaced the Ritmo. In 1995, it was phased out to make way for the Bravo->ke2003 and Brava twins.

Described as "a functional car which maximizes value for money," the Tipo was designed in Italy, developed in Turkey, and will be marketed in more than 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Not surprisingly, the sedan won't cross the pond to the U.S., where Fiat will only sell its 500->ke1708 range and the upcoming 124 Spider.->ke5091

Fiat has high hopes for the Tipo in Europe, but will the compact sedan have what it takes to compete against the more popular Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus? Find out in our review below.

Updated 11/27/2015: Fiat dropped the official details on the new Tipo compact sedan.

Continue reading to find out more about the 2017 Fiat Tipo.

Exterior

While the Linea wasn't an ugly compact, its design was rather dated compared to its rivals. The Tipo comes in to fix just that with a fresh design language that's more in line with that customers expect from an affordable car in 2016.

Overall, the Tipo is nearly identical to the Egea concept that Fiat showcased earlier in 2015. Up front, the sedan sports a wide grille that appears to feature "floating" chrome inserts, a pair of stylish headlamps, and a nicely sculpted engine hood. Around back, the Tipo retains the Egea’s C-shaped headlamps, the chrome trim above the license plate, and the pointy trunk lid.

When viewed from the side, the Tipo boasts a more premium appearance thanks to its pronounced waistline, chrome door handles, chrome lower window trim, and body-colored mirror caps. The sedan can be had with either 16- or 17-inch wheels and one of seven exterior colors. These include Gelato White, Colosseo Grey, Amore Red, Cinema Black, Maestro Grey, Magnetico Bronze and Canal Grande Blue.

Further customization is possible via Mopar's accessories catalog.

As far as dimensions go, the Tipo is about the same size as the Linea. Specifically, its 28 mm (1.1 inches) shorter, 62 mm (2.6 inches) wider, and only 3 mm (0.1 inch) taller. Despite being slightly shorter, its wheelbase is 33 mm (1.27 inches) longer than the Linea's. Despite its somewhat boxy appearance, the Tipo has an excellent aerodynamic coefficient of only 0.29.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The interior is also a significant departure from the Linea, featuring a fresh dasboard design, a cleaner center console, and a brand-new steering wheel among other features. Even though most surfaces are still hard plastic, the Tipo's cabin feels more upscale and roomier compared to the previous model. Fiat brags about class-leading legroom and a comfortable rear passenger compartment, as well as a 520 liters of luggage space available in the trunk, thanks to the 60/40 split rear seat.

On the tech side, the Tipo comes standard with an LCD screen, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth. To get the five-inch Uconnect touchscreen, which allows access to an array of functions including DAB radio and multimedia connectivity, customers will have to select an upper trim model. Finally, the third and range-topping version adds TomTom 3D navigation with TMC and IQ Routes and a 220-watt audio system with two tweeters, two mid-woofers, and two full-range speakers.

Much like the exterior, the interior will also benefit from a range of Mopar accessories.

Drivetrain

The compact sedan will become available, depending on market, with two gasoline engines and two diesels.

The gas range begins with the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder "Fire" unit, which cranks out 95 PS and 127 Nm of torque (94 horsepower and 94 pound-feet). Although it's far from fast given it needs 11.5 seconds to hit 62 mph on its way to a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph, Fiat claims it will return strong fuel economy and require low running costs.

More power comes from the 1.6-liter "E.torQ", which uses graphite coated pistons, forged connecting rods, and an aluminum oil sump. Rated at 110 PS and 152 Nm of torque (108 horses and 112 pound-feet), this four-pot takes the Tipo from 0 to 62 in 11.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 192 km/h (119 mph).

Those who prefer diesels can choose between the 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter MultiJet oil burners, both using forced induction. The smaller unit delivers 95 PS and 200 Nm (94 horsepower and 148 pound-feet) and charges from 0 to 62 mph in 11.7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h (112 mph). Consumption is estimated at 4.1 liters per 100 km, with CO2 emissions at 108 g/km. When selected in its Eco version with Start/Stop technology and low viscosity oil, fuel efficiency increases to 3.7 liters/100 km, while emissions drop to 98 g/km.

Finally, there's 1.6-liter MultiJet. At 120 PS and 320 Nm of twist (118 horses and 236 pound-feet.) It's the most powerful unit available for the Tipo. With this engine under the hood, the sedan hits 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 199 km/h (124 mph). Fiat claims it needs 4.2 liters of fuel for each 100 km and emits 110 grams of CO2 per km.

Both the gasoline engine mate to a six-speed manual transmission, while the 1.3-liter diesel gets a five-cog unit. The 1.6-liter oil burner is the only one fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Drivetrain Specifications

Suspension

At the front, the Fiat Tipo uses an independent McPherson layout optimized to reduce the loss of camber and to increase maximum side acceleration and road-hold. The front anti-roll bar is connected to the suspension via composite material connecting rods, which reduces vibrations and improves comfort. At the rear, the sedan has an interconnected wheel torsion beam suspension made from high-strength materials for reduced weight.

Stopping power comes from self-ventilating discs at the front and drum brakes to the rear for the gasoline and 1.3-liter diesel versions. The 1.6-liter diesel is the only model to use rear disc brakes.

Safety

The Italian sedan comes with six airbags as standard equipment, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, and Tire Pressure Monitoring. Other features that are either standard or optional depending on the trim level include parking sensors, Park Assist System rear camera, Cruise Control, and Electronic Stability Control with Panic Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, and Traction Control.

Prices

Fiat has yet to announce specific prices for Europe's biggest markets, but in Italy the Tipo retails from €14,500 (about $15,365), which makes it only €900 more expensive than the base 500. Considering that the 500 retails from €12,250 in Germany, the Tipo should start from around €13,050 in that country. In the U.K., the sedan could fetch around £11,610 (around $17,465) in base trim.

Three trim levels will be available in most markets -- Uconnect Radio, Uconnect 5", and Uconnect 5" Nav.

Production will commence at Fiat's Bursa plant in Turkey, with deliveries to begin in 2016. The vehicle will be sold in Europe and several markets in the Middle East, and Africa.

Competition

Toyota Corolla

Launched in February 2014 on the European market, the eleventh-generation Corolla can be ordered with one of three engines in most markets. The base model comes with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine rated at 99 PS, while the most powerful gas version uses a 1.6-liter four-pot generating 132 PS. Toyota also offers a diesel engine, in the form of a 1.4-liter unit that cranks out 90 PS. Pricing starts from €18,690 in Germany, which makes the Corolla a rather expensive proposition to the Fiat Tipo.

Find out more about the Toyota Corolla here.

Conclusion

It took Fiat a lot of time to come up with a replacement for the Linea, but the new sedan seems to have what it takes to become an important vehicle in the compact market. Sure, it won't be a match for popular choices such as the Toyota Corolla and the Ford Focus, but it should pose a threat to other nameplates. It's not the most powerful compact sedan out there, but it's definitely one of the most affordable, which should make it popular in emerging markets.

Spy Shots

October 26, 2015 - First testing session