Skip advert
Advertisement

New Fiat Tipo Station Wagon estate 2016 review

We drive the refined and comfortable family estate version of the Fiat Tipo - can it keep up with more accomplished rivals?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Fiat Tipo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Fiat Tipo makes more sense as an estate, as it offers loads of space for the money; both in the boot and inside the cabin. It’s a little noisier on the move than the hatch, but otherwise drives very similarly, which means it’s refined and comfortable - if a little dull. It’s a bit expensive, though, putting it closer on paper to much more accomplished rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While we won’t be getting the new Fiat Tipo saloon in the UK, buyers will have a choice between the hatchback model and the Station Wagon (estate) version driven here. It gets all the same engine and transmission choices, and costs £1,000 more than an equivalent hatch.

The top-selling engine is likely to be this 1.6-litre diesel with 118bhp, which also takes the title as our pick of the range. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol is a decent unit, and it’s quieter than the diesel, but the 1.6’s emissions of 98g/km and 76.3mpg fuel economy are key for a car like this – especially as it has the performance to back it up.

Of course the most important part of the Tipo estate is practicality. The hatch is already a practical choice, and this version only adds to that. There’s 550 litres of space in the boot, which is 110 litres more than the hatch and 10 litres more than the pricier Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. It’s a well-shaped load bay, with a useful storage compartment below the floor and two pockets at the sides. You can remove the separators to add extra space for larger items too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC
Focus Vignale

2020 Ford

Focus Vignale

59,430 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,676
View Focus Vignale
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,597
View Puma
C4

2023 Citroen

C4

20,443 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,297
View C4

New Fiat Tipo: prices, specs and details

Advertisement - Article continues below

The rear seats fold down flat, and you can fit items up to 1.8m long in the back, thanks to a body that’s 20cm longer than the hatchback. The extra space also translates to more headroom in the back seats, as the roof doesn’t slope down over the passengers’ heads. There’s still plenty of legroom back there, too.

Standard equipment includes electric windows all round, roof bars, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, steering wheel media controls and split-folding rear seats. Our mid-spec car also featured a touchscreen infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and cruise control. 

Best family cars

Just like the hatch, it’s the strong kit list that’s the Tipo’s saving grace against rivals like the Vauxhall Astra - which is better to drive, more upmarket, better looking and nearly as practical. You can buy a 1.6-litre diesel Astra ST (albeit with a little less power) for only a few hundred pounds more - and we reckon it’s worth the extra.

Still, go for a lower-spec car and there’s no doubt that the Tipo is very practical for the price. It’s not bad to drive, with a comfortable and refined manner, but the numb steering, excessive body roll and high driving position remove any feeling of sportiness. Many buyers won’t mind that, though.

What they might mind is the old fashioned-looking interior. It feels well put together, but the patterned plastic and seats mean it doesn’t feel like a new car ought to - especially for nearly £18,000. The layout is simple and easy to use, but has no flair and we’d expect better from Fiat – as its other cars are much more quirky both inside and out.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025