Our measured test of the Fiat Tipo Cross Hybrid: is it really still that attractive?

Now, if you want a Fiat Tipo, 5-door sedan or Break, you have no choice, you can’t resist the SUV-style trim as it only comes in Cross trim. But that’s not the only thing that’s changed in the Italian compact’s lineup of late, as it’s also recently received a new 130hp hybrid engine. An adventurer look and hybridization that so many customers are currently acclaiming, a cocktail that has everything to please? Not so fast! Measured test of the 5-door version.

What is new is that the Fiat Tipo - now only available in the Adventurer Cross version - benefits from a hybrid engine. An attractive offer on paper... — What is new is that the Fiat Tipo – now only available in the Adventurer Cross version – benefits from a hybrid engine. An attractive offer on paper…©Fiat

A great micro-hybridization

Fiat already does not offer the must-have, since its system looks like a micro-hybridization with a 48 V electrical system and a block with a power of 15 kW integrated into the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission from the equipment manufacturer Getrag. But, Thanks to the 0.8 kWh lithium-ion battery (approx. 0.5 utility value), the Wattée-Fee not only acts as a booster, but also makes it possible to be 100% electric at very low speeds, i.e. mainly in manoeuvres to drive. From a purely accounting point of view, this mechanism is acceptable. Weighing only 1,380 kg to animate, it offers satisfactory performance in acceleration and quiet overtaking thanks to tonic pickups (6.8s from 80 to 120 km/h in Drive). Even sobriety is there. Sure, compared to the 3-cylinder turbo 1.0 100hp we measured, the difference is anecdotal (-0.2L/100km on average) and the 6.8L on average doesn’t impress. But the cast is holding up pretty well. Unfortunately not the knowledge.

You can see the charge status of the small battery on the touchscreen of the Tipo Cross Hybrid. In fact, 100% electric driving is reduced to the minimum. In fact, consumption is okay, but not exceptional for a hybrid.©Fiat

Ultra disappointing box

If you drive mostly in the city, skip your turn! Distributing bumps like Obelix donuts, This Italian quickly makes you irritable. In question is the box, which not only lacks softness, but is also too slow. And if it’s not her that’s mistreating you, the engine will take care of it. Each cut or restart of the 4-cylinder is accompanied by a jolt. Logically one suffers less from this lack of manners once one is out of town, but a sense of frustration prevails. Especially since this Tipo is not a bad car. However, this does not mean in particular damping without softness. But this Italian has a smoother and more dynamic ride than the Sandero, all served up from a more pleasant direction.

Always welcoming

It also offers more space on board with inviting rear seats and handles a lot more luggage (400 dm3 or 100 more according to our measurements). And the Tipo offers access to an accoutrement deprived of its designated Romanian competitor, but if it doesn’t fare better on the presentation side with a sadder vibe for lack of colors and, more importantly, upscale quality, some materials and materials are to blame gatherings.

Dear Tipo

Aside from the lack of mechanical approval, what this Tipo Cross Hybrid lacks above all is tariff moderation. Offered from €24,990 thanks to an online discount of €2,000, it is as expensive as a Suzuki Vitara Hybrid with a technology that is certainly imperfect but more satisfactory. And if a Renault Clio E-Tech is less livable, it is much more pleasant and efficient while being cheaper (from €22,350).