The Fiat Tipo is a medium-sized five-door hatchback and estate family car. The current generation model arrived in the UK in the summer of 2016, and had some minor trim updates in early 2019.
The Tipo has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, which has resulted in an overall Expert Rating that is currently the lowest in its class. Of particular note is a poor three-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, when most of the class leaders have a five-star safety rating.
The Fiat Tipo has been praised for its keen pricing, good equipment levels and spaciousness. However, it has been criticised for its uninspiring driving dynamics, poor interior quality and below-par safety equipment.
Key Specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £14,905 on-road
Launched: Spring 2016
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image Gallery
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

The Car Expert
Score: 6.2 / 10
“If you need a car to ensure you get from A to B with little fuss, the Fiat Tipo could be a good option. But please ensure you pay an extra £500 for the safety pack…”
Read review

Auto Express
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo comes as a compact hatch or SW estate, and it’s easy to drive, offers decent space and is good value for money.”
Read review

Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 5 / 10
“Acceptable but a long way removed from the class’s sharp end.”
Read review

Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre MultiJet 120 Lounge
Score: 6 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo pulls the same car-for-the-class-above trick that Dacia applies to its range – this is a Ford Focus for the price of a Fiesta – yet there’s no waft of ‘eau-de-cheapskate’ when you open the door.”
Read review

Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7.2 / 10
“If you’re after a small family hatchback that’s strong on value, practicality and standard equipment, then the Fiat Tipo could well be for you.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo Station Wagon is a practical, spacious and generously equipped family estate car, let down by an uninspiring engine range and dull driving experience.”
Read review

Carwow
Model reviewed: Station Wagon estate range
Score: 5 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo Station Wagon is an affordable small estate car with a big boot and a decent amount of equipment but it doesn’t drive as well as more upmarket alternatives.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 5 / 10
“The spacious, relatively economical Fiat Tipo five-door hatchback marks the Italian brand’s return to the small family car market where it faces stiff competition from the likes of the SEAT Ibiza and Kia Ceed.”
Read review

Honest John
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo doesn’t stand out as a particularly remarkable family car, but it feels sturdily made, it’s practical and it is very competitively priced.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s nothing outstanding or exciting about the Fiat Tipo Station Wagon, but equally there’s not a lot wrong with it. There is one issue that stands out, though – the active safety tech comes in optional packs instead of as standard, and without it the car only gets a three-star safety rating.”
Read review

Parkers
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6.4 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo is a sensible, good-value family hatch”
Read review
Model reviewed: SW estate range
Score: 6 / 10
“Practical estate car majoring in value-for-money”
Read review

The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual Lounge MultiJet 120
Score: 6 / 10
“Vaguely forgettable hatch but its thriftiness is appealing.”
Read review

The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Fiat Tipo doesn’t excel in any particular area, and in a lot of ways it falls far behind the market leaders. But the flexibility of the pricing structure and a very low starting figure means that the Tipo could still prove tempting.”
Read review

Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview (hatchback and estate)
Score: 6 / 10
“Probably Fiat’s least interesting car, but that doesn’t mean it’s worth ignoring if you love a bargain.”
Read review

What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 4 / 10
“Well equipped and spacious. Rivals are better to drive and classier inside, though.”
Read review

Which?
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 5.4 / 10
“Cheap, cavernous estate car.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 5.6 / 10
“Cheap but unexceptional family transport.”
Read review
SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 3 stars
Date tested: October 2016
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Fiat Tipo has not yet been lab-tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Similar cars
If you’re interested in the Fiat Tipo, you might also like to consider these alternatives
Citroën C4 Cactus | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf