Italian Answers Prayers Of The One-car Family (Press, 30 June 1989)

Fiat, founded in 1899, is approaching its centenary, having established a strong presence in the automotive world with models that embody practicality and economy. The Fiat Tipo, which launched in Europe about 18 months before its introduction to New Zealand in 1989, is heralded as a culmination of Fiat's century of automotive experience. It is described as a “small big car” with broad appeal that does not conform to traditional macho aesthetics, making it accessible to practical drivers, particularly women. The Tipo's design combines features that reflect various European automotive traits; it is said to handle like a British car, ride like a French car, and exhibit the rigidity of a German vehicle, while still possessing distinctively Italian features. This makes it suitable for a wide range of New Zealand car buyers, who typically favour medium-sized Japanese sedans or larger Australian models, with the Tipo appealing as an all-purpose family vehicle. Despite its compact exterior, the Tipo offers surprisingly generous interior space compared to competitors, like the Toyota Corona, with more shoulder width, headroom, and a longer wheelbase. Its design prioritises comfort and practicality, emphasising smooth handling, stability, and engine responsiveness. Each component reflects an intention for versatility, aiming to meet the needs of various users, while maintaining performance akin to a sportier hatchback. In terms of construction quality, the Tipo is noteworthy for its robust bodyshell design, which prioritises safety and durability. More than 70% of its body is galvanised to resist rust, and parts like the tailgate are made from innovative materials to ensure longevity. The interior is adorned with quality fabrics and practical features, including spacious seating, generous cargo capacity, and modern conveniences like central locking and digital instruments. The Tipo is powered by two engine options tailored for European drivers that are also suitable for New Zealand conditions. The smaller 1372 cc engine delivers adequate power for urban driving, while the 1580 cc engine offers a spirited performance, showcasing impressive acceleration and top speed. Overall, the Tipo emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a family car that balances performance, comfort, and practicality, with the potential to unite differing preferences within a family. Its thoughtful design and comprehensive features make it a worthy contender in the automotive market for New Zealand shoppers.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand