Against the trend, Fiat is relaunching a diesel sedan for less than 17,000 euros

A diesel three-box sedan with a manual gearbox does not really correspond to current trends in the automobile industry, but it is nevertheless the configuration chosen by Fiat to relaunch its compact Tipo in France. The Tipo disappeared from Fiat’s French catalog at the end of 2023 and the brand no longer offered a diesel engine for its particular models.

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This timeless offer can, however, meet the needs of many customers, while the automobile market is increasingly occupied by overpriced models. Thus, it is not the bodywork nor the energy of this Tipo which stands out the most in the current automotive landscape, but rather its price starting at only €16,900, when certain vehicles in the same segment charge double that.

A timeless offer as an anti-inflation solution

The contemporary Fiat Tipo was launched in 2015 as a direct rival to the Dacia Logan. It was a successful model, one of the few to have been able to compete with Dacia, but which had gradually become gentrified with prices no longer really corresponding to its initial positioning when its marketing in France ceased.

Now it is discreetly back, in a more basic configuration. It is only available as a four-door notchback and only with a 130 hp 1.6 MultiJet diesel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. It only leaves the choice between two finishes and two body colors. The first finish, soberly named Tipo, does not offer very complete equipment, which is quite logical at this price level. However, it retains the bare minimum with manual air conditioning, a car radio, electric front windows and some driving aids which are now compulsory.

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The second finishing level, called Tipo City, notably adds 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch with hubcaps at entry level), LED headlights and a 7-inch central screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This high-end (more) version requires an extension of €2,000, bringing the price of the Tipo to €18,900.

With its 120 g of CO2/km (122 g/km in City finish), the Tipo’s diesel engine only faces a penalty of €100 in 2024 (€150 for the City finish). Its amount will certainly be higher in 2025 (if it remains offered by then), but even taking into account the tax, the cost of this Tipo will be much lower than that of other compact sedans. Of course, the origins low-cost of the Tipo and its fairly old development do not provide it with the same benefits, but it now finds itself without direct competition, while Dacia has abandoned its diesel offers and its compact Logan on the French market. This Tipo thus becomes the cheapest diesel car on the market.

However, we could regret that Fiat has not also relaunched the five-door and SW station wagon bodies of its Tipo in France, as well as a gasoline/LPG dual-fuel engine. This energy is now very popular at Dacia and would have made it possible to reach a wider audience than a diesel offer, ideal for heavy drivers, but much less so for city dwellers.

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