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Production of Fiat's 'Type 356' Tipo hatch was finished off between 2020 and 2023 by this crossover-inspired 'Cross' version, which aimed to combine lifestyle looks with the option of the brand's Hybrid 48V engine. It's an unusual confection but at the right price, it could have some appeal.
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History
Cutting-edge hybrid technology might well price the used family hatchback you have in mind out of reach. But possibly not if the car you have in mind from the 2020-2023 period is a Fiat Tipo. In SUV-style Cross form, this model can offer you a very clever electrified engine indeed. And a bit of a crossover vibe into the bargain.
High technology and lifestyle looks have never previously been things you'd have associated with this sensible Fiat. Tipo history goes all the way back to 1988 and the 'Type 356' modern-era version first went on sale in ordinary form in 2015. A far-reaching facelift was introduced in 2020, with the range initially restructured around a single 1.0-litre petrol engine, which was initially available in this Cross hatchback model that arrived at about the same time. In early 2022, the line-up was slimmed down to a five-door hatch body shape. And a 1.5-litre Hybrid 48V petrol engine option has been added to the range for Cross customers. By 2023, the Cross Hybrid version was the only one available, with a plusher 'Garmin Edition' version at the top of the range. Sales ceased at the end of 2023.
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What you get
You'd certainly notice this Cross variant as being a little different from the rather unassuming ordinary Tipo hatch model. It'll have to be a hatch because the UK importers never offered an estate body style here for Cross variants. Which is a pity because that estate variant suited the Cross body styling package quite nicely.
This hatch version does its best though. Thanks to the Cross package, this variant stands 70mm higher than an ordinary Tipo and gets silver plastic skid plate-style panels at the front and rear - and along the bottom of the side sills. Roof rails also make the kit list, as do smart 17-inch alloy wheels.
Not as much was done inside to set this more lifestyle-orientated version apart from humbler Tipo models. So as with those, you get a 7-inch central touchscreen (though this one's fitted out with navigation) and a 7-inch full-colour digital instrument cluster screen too. Hard plastics dominate around the cabin but there's a pleasingly styled 3-spoke wheel and automatic climate control. In the back, there's a bit more room than is normal for a family hatchback of this sort, thanks to the Tipo's boxy shape. And there's a decently sized 440-litre boot, extendable by 60:40-split rear seats.
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What to look for
You'll need to choose carefully. Build quality wasn't stellar; nor was the technology behind the infotainment system, so make sure that everything works as it should and connects to your 'phone. Otherwise, it's the usual things with family hatches - signs of child damage in the interior, car park exterior dents and scuffs and alloy wheel scratches. Things to note include the fact that the car was supplied from new with only one key. Otherwise, just, a usual, insist on a fully stamped-up service history.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2022 Tipo Cross Hybrid ex VAT - autopartspro.co.uk) An air filter costs around £8-£57 and an oil filter costs around £4-£45. Front brake pads sit in the £23 to £79 bracket for a set (rears £20-£77). Front brake discs cost between £34 to £100 for a pair (rears £26-£37). A wiper blade costs in the £6 to £11 bracket. A fuel filter will sit in the £2-£12 bracket. An air filter is in the £8-£63 bracket. Shock absorbers are in the £27-£65 bracket.
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On the road
Obviously, this Cross model's SUV demeanour is only for show; even light trails are really beyond its remit. And on tarmac, the smart styling won't disguise the fact that this is some way from being the sharpest handling car in its sector from this period, but we reckon it's close enough to the class leaders to satisfy most potential buyers. This Cross variant could initially be had with a 100hp 1.0-litre petrol unit. This came only with manual transmission but rather has its work cut out propelling a family hatch of this size along, though the performance figures aren't too far off the class norm - rest to 62mph in 11.8s en route to 119mph.
The alternative Hybrid 48V variant's 1.5-litre unit puts out 130hp and 240Nm of torque (rest to 62mph in 9.3s) and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. The propulsion system includes a built-in 48 volt 15kW (20hp) electric motor delivering 55Nm of torque, which can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off.
The Tipo's roadgoing demeanour has been set up to favour relaxed comfort rather than any kind of dynamic drive. You can see why: this is, after all, a car designed primarily around the needs of buyers in developing countries who simply want to get comfortably from A to B. So there's no trick suspension for fancy ride quality, torque vectoring for classy cornering or ridiculously powerful engine options that hardly anyone will buy. Where Turin has had modern carry-over technology it can use - the engines, the modular platform, the Uconnect infotainment technology - then that's been thrown into the development mix, but the over-riding priority here has been in the creation of the best possible car for the lowest possible price.
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Overall
When the Tipo Cross first arrived in 2020, we struggled to see why you might want one. Crossover-like versions of family hatchbacks usually demonstrate the manufacturer concerned's lack of a properly developed comparably-sized SUV - as here. But this one had the advantage of at least being sensibly priced.
Adding into it the Hybrid 48V engine you'd ideally want in this Tipo Cross adds a much-needed reason for purchase. But it also dilutes the strong value proposition we just referenced. If you can somehow get yourself the Hybrid 48V version of this car at a price that's right, we could see why you might want one. As ever, it all comes down to the bottom line.
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