The Fiat Tipo (357) Hatchback 1.6, produced between 2016 and 2018, represented a key offering in Fiat’s renewed compact family car lineup. Positioned as a practical and value-oriented option, this variant aimed to bridge the gap between affordability and reasonable performance within the Tipo range. It was a central part of the 357 project, which encompassed hatchback, sedan, and station wagon body styles, all based on a shared platform designed to offer a spacious and modern vehicle at a competitive price point. This particular 1.6-liter diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission combination was intended to appeal to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and everyday usability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Fiat |
| Model | Tipo |
| Generation | Tipo (357) Hatchback |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 98 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 233.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 55260384 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Length | 4368 mm (171.97 in.) |
| Width | 1792 mm (70.55 in.) |
| Height | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2638 mm (103.86 in.) |
| Front track | 1542 mm (60.71 in.) |
| Rear track | 1543 mm (60.75 in.) |
| Front overhang | 893 mm (35.16 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 837 mm (32.95 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.93 m (35.86 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Fiat Tipo 1.6 utilized a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, identified by engine code 55260384. This engine was a member of Fiat’s Multijet family, known for its common-rail direct injection system. The Multijet technology allowed for multiple fuel injections per combustion cycle, improving efficiency and reducing noise. The engine featured a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output to 120 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1750 rpm. This torque curve was a key characteristic, providing strong pulling power for everyday driving. The engine’s configuration was inline, with four valves per cylinder. The six-speed manual transmission was chosen for its balance of fuel economy and driver engagement, although an automatic transmission was offered on other Tipo variants.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter diesel engine, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, delivered a practical and efficient driving experience. While not a performance-oriented setup, the engine provided adequate power for typical commuting and highway driving. The strong low-end torque made overtaking at highway speeds relatively effortless. The six-speed transmission allowed for comfortable cruising at higher speeds, keeping engine revs low and contributing to good fuel economy. Compared to the more powerful petrol engines available in the Tipo range, this variant prioritized fuel efficiency over outright acceleration. The gear ratios were tuned for maximizing fuel economy, meaning the engine didn’t feel particularly eager to rev. Compared to the 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine, the 1.6 diesel offered significantly better fuel economy but less spirited performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter diesel Tipo typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags were standard. Higher trim levels offered options like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, focusing on practicality rather than luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Tipo 1.6 featured a McPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, suitable for everyday driving. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Electric power steering was standard, offering light and precise steering feel. The chassis was designed to balance ride comfort with handling stability. The suspension tuning was geared towards providing a compliant ride rather than sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fiat Tipo 1.6 diesel was generally well-received by critics as a sensible and practical family car. Its fuel efficiency was a major selling point, and its spacious interior and competitive price made it an attractive option in the compact hatchback segment. Compared to other diesel-powered hatchbacks in its class, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, the Tipo offered a more affordable price point, although it may have lacked some of the refinement and brand prestige of its rivals. The 1.6 diesel engine was praised for its fuel economy and torque, but some reviewers noted that it could be somewhat noisy compared to more modern diesel engines.
Legacy
The Fiat Tipo 1.6 diesel, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, proved to be a reliable and economical option for many buyers. The Multijet engine, in particular, has a reputation for durability, provided it is properly maintained. On the used car market, these models represent good value for money, offering a practical and fuel-efficient mode of transportation. However, potential buyers should be aware of the typical maintenance requirements for diesel engines, such as regular servicing of the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The Tipo’s overall simplicity and robust construction contribute to its continued appeal as a used car.
