Fiat introduced the Linea and the Punto back in 2007 for the Indian market and since then, it has not received any generation upgrade. So far the company has only done a cosmetic refresh of their cars. Recently with the launch of the Fiat Tipo in the international market, it is likely to replace the Fiat Punto and the Linea in the Indian market.
The Fiat Tipo is an Italian offering in the C+ segment. It is available in the sedan and a hatchback style as well. The vehicle was showcased as a concept car earlier this year and it now replaces the Fiat Bravo on the global market.
The exterior of both the cars are majorly similar, with the difference being only in the body style. The looks are also very identical to the Fiat Argo, which also is a premium hatchback based on the same platform. At the front, both cars get chrome inserts in and around the ‘wraparound’ grille and around the fog lamps as well. The styling of the bumper is sober in design and is not aggressive like the one seen on the Fiat Argo which was recently launched in the Brazilian market. Side profile is subtle with minimum styling lines and the flared wheel arches perfectly hold in place the 10 spokes 17inch wheel rims.
On the inside, the vehicle offers all the necessary features such as steering mounted audio controls, reverse parking sensor with camera, adjustable steering, and climate control. For improved safety, the hatchback and the sedan come with standard with dual airbags, antilock braking system, hill hold and electronic stability programme.
The Tipo is powered by a wide range of engine – 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol. The 1.4-litre petrol engine produces 93bhp and the 1.6-litre petrol produces 110bhp. The former one is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox whereas the latter one is mated to a six speed automatic gearbox. The 1.3-litre diesel produces 90bhp and is mated to a five speed manual gearbox.
The Fiat Tipo sedan is priced lower than the hatchback at ZAR-229,900 (₹ 11,51,696), while the prices for the hatch back start at ZAR-249,900 (₹ 12,51,887) The Tipo is launched with three trims – Pop, Easy and Lounge. If launched in the Indian market, the Tipo hatchback will replace the current range of Punto and the Tipo sedan will step in Fiat Linea’s shoes. The hatchback will compete against the Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo and the Honda Jazz. The Tipo sedan, on the other hand, will play rival to the Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid and the Honda City.
