Fiat Tipo

The Fiat Tipo was a small family car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1988 and 1995.

Initially available only as a five-door hatchback, it was an important step forward for Fiat: the Tipo's predecessor, the Fiat Ritmo/Strada, had given Fiat a reputation for making flimsy, unreliable and rust-prone cars, and the Tipo re-established Fiat as a quality manufacturer. The car was made entirely out of galvanized body panels to avoid rust, and was built on a completely new chassis that won praise for its ride and handling. In 1989, the Tipo won the European Car of the Year award.

Versions

Initially base (i.e.), DGT, S, SX and 16v trim levels were available. Power from 58 to 148 bhp came from 1.1, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 1.816v, 2.0, 2.016v petrol engines as well as a 1.7 diesel, 1.9 diesel and 1.9 turbo-diesel. The base engines were widely regarded as underpowered for the car, which was roomy for 5 adults with above average quality. As top of the range was the 2.0 sedicivalvole (16v) witch handling and brakes was the point of reference off all rivals at that time. Minor revisions to the Tipo range in 1993 saw the addition of a three-door version, minor exterior changes (the two evolutions of the car can be differentiated by their slightly different radiator grilles and headlamps) and improved specification; safety features like stiffer panel, driver's airbag were added to the range. This saw new S, SX and SLX trim levels, as well as a new 2.0 GT model.

The Tipo finally ceased production after making a unexeptable good strike at markets as Germany and England (especially the 16v), at the end of 1995 to be replaced by the three-door Fiat Bravo, four-door Fiat Marea, five-door Fiat Brava.

• 1,1 1108cm3 FIRE with 58bhp
• 1,4 1372cm3 with 78bhp and 69bhp in catalytic version
• 1,6 1586cm3 with 86bhp and 78bhpin catalytic version
• 1,7-1,9 diesel and turbodiesel units with 75 and 90bhp
• 1.8 1756cm3 with 110bhp and 105bhp in catalytic version
• 1.816v 1756cm3 with 136bhp (non catalytic version)
• 2,016v 1995cm3 with 148bhp and (139 in 3d version) with intake mechanical VVDT, DOHC 16valve,2 counter-balanced shafts, fully integrated electronic management and BOSCH ABS 4 discs. according to the CAR of 1993 was 0,5-1 sec faster than any rival at 0-160-0 and laptest at Millbrooks.

Derivatives

The Tipo chassis spawned three more cars. The first of these was the Fiat Tempra sedan and station wagon in 1990. The large family car Alfa Romeo 155 and the coupé Fiat Coupé were introduced in 1993.

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