New Fiat 500X and Tipo Hybrid models launched for 2022

• Low-speed manoeuvring can be done on electric power
• 0-62mph in just over nine seconds
• Launched as RED special editions

The Fiat 500X SUV and Fiat Tipo hatchback are now available with a new mild-hybrid petrol engine. According to the Italian brand, the 500X Hybrid and Tipo Hybrid can run on electric power over short distances, and are more efficient than the firm’s conventional petrol engines.

Orders will open this month, with first deliveries pencilled in for spring. The cars are being launched in Fiat’s (RED) special-edition trim level, which features colourful detailing and helps the (RED) charity.

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Under the bonnet of both cars is a new 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The electric motor, which adds a further 20bhp, acts as a starter-generator, allowing starting in electric mode with the petrol engine disengaged. 

Fiat says the electric motor can be used for nearly half of the time, rising to over 60% of the time while driving in town. The brand also says that the electric motor can be used to creep forwards in a traffic jam, as well as for parking manoeuvres. The mild-hybrid system also collects the energy lost from braking, and helps the engine get up to temperature quicker.

Economy figures haven’t yet been finalised, but we’re told the mild-hybrid engine lowers CO2 emissions by up to 11% compared to the Fiat 500X’s 1.3-litre petrol engine. That would suggest CO2 emissions of around 130g/km, resulting in a Benefit-in-Kind rating of about 30% for company-car drivers. 

According to Fiat, the Tipo Hybrid manages 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, while the 500X Hybrid takes 9.4 seconds to reach the same benchmark. This hybrid powertrain will also be fitted in the Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid and the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid, although the Alfa will also get a more powerful 158bhp version of the engine.

Fiat has liberally scattered Hybrid badges over the 500X and Tipo, with a badge designed to look like two blue leaves. The blue colour is said to be more vivid than on the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda mild-hybrids, due to the ‘technological evolution of the engine’.

Alongside the mild-hybrid engine, the 500X and Tipo will continue to be sold with standard petrol engines. The 500X gets a 1.3-litre engine with 120bhp, while the Tipo gets a 1.0-litre engine producing 99bhp.

The 500X Hybrid costs £27,585, and the Tipo Hybrid is a mere £10 more. Hopefully cheaper versions of the Hybrid engines are incoming, as a petrol-engined 500X currently starts at £5,500 less than the Hybrid.

Read about the Fiat 500X’s ‘Dolcevita’ soft-top roof option.