We have bad news for those in the UK who were thinking about picking up the keys to a new Fiat Tipo. It’s dead and gone and it is not coming back.
Fiat had been selling the current-generation Tipo in the UK since 2015 but it was never particularly popular. The void it leaves in the Fiat line-up will be indirectly filled by the 600e electric SUV which, despite being very different, is also significantly more modern, well equipped, and should prove much more popular among shoppers.
While speaking with Autocar about the firm’s decision to axe the Tipo, a spokesperson said it’s because the firm is now “committed to electric urban mobility.” Consumers will have to pay a small premium for this shift in focus, however.
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You see, whereas the Tipo was available from £28,745 ($35,567), or £29,245 ($36,186) in Cross guise, the Fiat 600e starts at £32,995 ($40,826). Sure, that’s not a huge price difference but it’s also not insignificant either. It’s also worth noting that the Tipo could be purchased with a 1.6-liter petrol engine with 94 hp or as a mild-hybrid with 128 hp whereas the 600e is all-electric, something that may not suit all buyers.
Nevertheless, the 600e does have a lot going in its favor. First is power. It is driven by a single electric motor driving the front wheels with 154 hp and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque, allowing it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9 seconds and a 93 mph (150 km/h) top speed. Power comes through a 54 kWh battery pack that supports up to DC 100 kW charging and allows the 600e to travel up to 252 miles (405 km) on a charge. While these are hardly groundbreaking figures, the 600e does represent a compelling alternative to the much smaller 500e as well as a cute and quirky option to those also considering the Kia Niro EV and Volvo EX30.
