Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Fiat Tipo 1.6 Multijet II Lounge review
Cookies on Businesscar

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time

BusinessCar magazine website email Awards mobile

The start point for the best source of fleet information

Fiat Tipo 1.6 Multijet II Lounge review

Date: 13 October 2016   |   Author:

Category: Lower medium
Key rival: Hyundai i30
P11D: £17,940
On sale: September 2016

Having launched the 500X crossover last year with fleet in mind, Fiat is now re-entering the biggest corporate sector with the new Tipo, which it is targeting the Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30.

Fiat is hoping to appeal on value with the new Tipo. It's certainly well-priced, with the top-spec Lounge model coming with rear-view camera, 17-inch alloys, five-inch touchscreen satnav, auto lights and wipers, climate control, and chrome detailing for £17,940 in 120hp 1.6-litre diesel form, where high-spec rival models tend to be well over £20,000.

That doesn't always translate to a winning cost per mile case, but Fiat backs up the low price and decent spec with a 98g/km emissions figure, and a residual value of 33.0% that trumps the relative Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, Kia Ceed and Renault Megane models.

Interior space is good, with Fiat claiming that all the measurements are between above average and class-leading. All the doors open to an angle of 80°, which makes entry and exit easy, although it's something to be mindful of in tight car parks.

The navigation is well behind the best on the market, looking dated and struggling to keep up with the car's position, which isn't helpful on busy roundabouts. But otherwise the Tipo has a pleasant and sensible interior, apart from the gear lever stitching that scratches the palm, and if you have a hunt, it's not hard to find some cheaper hard plastics.

Fiat describes the new Tipo as "not a budget car, but a car for a budget", and that's poetically apt. It's not flamboyant or flash in any way, but offers very sensible running costs, practicality and decent kit levels for those that choose their vehicle via spreadsheet rather than heart strings.

There's nothing wrong with that approach, and the new Tipo surprises in its ability to make a very compelling business case, if not quite such a strong emotional one.

Fiat Tipo 1.6 Multijet II Lounge

Model price range £12,810-£19,940
Residual value 33.0%
Depreciation £12,015
Fuel £4028
Service, maintenance and repair £2161
Vehicle Excise Duty £0
National Insurance £1560
Cost per mile 41.3p
Fuel consumption 76.3mpg
CO2 (BIK band) 98g/km (19%)
BIK 20/40% per month £57/£114
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space 440 litres
Engine size/power 1598cc/120hp

Verdict


Impressive whole-life costs make the Tipo a car for those choosing with the head
8/10
  • Appealing cost per mile argument thanks to strong residuals versus rivals
  • Low P11D and good emissions
  • Styling is a touch bland
  • Old-school navigation is a long way off the best modern systems

Share


Subscribe