Facelifted Fiat Tipo starts from £17,690

• Fiat updates Tipo for 2021
• New Cross model has SUV-influenced styling
• Only one 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine available

The Fiat Tipo range has been updated with the latest technology, a new high-riding Cross model and some minor styling changes. Orders will be taken at the end of November, with prices starting from £17,690. The first customer cars are scheduled for delivery in early 2021.

While the standard Tipo range will continue to rival models such as the Renault Megane and Vauxhall Astra, the addition of the Tipo Cross model will see it compete with similarly rugged hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero Stepway and Ford Focus Active. 

2020 Fiat Tipo: design, pricing and specifications

The Tipo gets a new front grille, a redesigned front bumper, and new chrome trim. There’s also a new steering wheel design, plus the addition of chrome and black trim to the climate controls.

The entry-level model starts from £17,690 and gets a decent list of standard equipment including 16-inch steel wheels and hubcaps, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and electrically adjustable door mirrors. It also features an active grille shutter, which automatically closes the slats in the front grille helping to get the engine up to temperature during the winter.

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Standard safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, cruise control, traffic sign recognition and driver drowsiness monitoring. A new seven-inch driver information display has also been added to the instrument cluster.

The midrange Life model starts at £19,680 and gets larger 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass and heated door mirrors. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and seven-inch infotainment touchscreen are also standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Tipo will be available in hatchback and estate bodystyles, with the former offering 440 litres of boot space, increasing to 550 litres in the latter.

2020 Fiat Tipo Cross

The new Fiat Tipo Cross starts at £21,690, and is billed as a more rugged version of the standard car, with an SUV-inspired look. The bodywork features black plastic cladding, and the front bumper and side skirts get silver skid plate inserts. Matching silver roof rails also feature, along with unique alloy wheels and a raised ride height thanks to a new suspension setup. Overall, the Cross offers 7cm more ground clearance than the standard Tipo. 

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Inside, the Tipo Cross gets model-specific upholstery, sat nav, a pair of USB ports, a height-adjustable passenger seat and an armrest for the rear seat. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, as is a full-sized spare wheel.

Engines and performance

The updated Tipo and Tipo Cross models will be available with a non-turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 99bhp, and is only available with a five-speed manual gearbox. According to Fiat, fuel economy of up to 51.4mpg is possible under the WLTP cycle with emissions starting at 125g/km.

Want to know more about the current Fiat Tipo range? Why not read out in-depth reviews of the Tipo hatchback and the Tipo Station Wagon estate.