2016 Fiat Tipo

Price: £15,000 (est), on sale from September 2016

Fiat are dipping its toes into the C-Segment this year with the release of the new Fiat Tipo in September.

The mid-sized hatchaback, based on Fiat's project Aegea saloon, should compete with a number of popular rivals including the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, and two bodystyles will be available in the UK, a five-door hatchback and an estate.

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So far four engines have been confirmed, which asre 1.3 and 1.6-litre diesel, and 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols. The power ranges between 94hp and 118hp, while Fiat claim that the Tipo's engines will be able to reach up to 70.6mpg.

© Fiat

The design takes an Italian inspiration on both the inside and out, and has become another member of a Fiat range focused on the popular Fiat 500 based models.

Fiat's UConnect 5.0 inch colour touchscreen infotainment system is placed at the centre of the dash, and is joined by hands-free Bluetooth calling and audio streaming, text read and voice recognition, USB and aux inputs, controls on the steering wheel, a rear parking camera and optional TomTom satellite navigation.

The new Tipo will be a member of Fiat's "Functional Family", with the manufacturers placing an emphasis on value for money and practical features with the model. This is despite the model having a distinctive design with balanced proportions.

It has already won an award ahead of its release in September, by taking the Autobest 2016 gong in December. Judges praised the new model for packing what customers genuinely appreciate, with a simple range and a transparent commercial offer.

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Fiat Tipo buyers can expect accurate driving, quality road-holding and outstanding passenger comfort. The Tipo has a large load capacity of 520-litres fitted into its 4.54 metres long, 1.79 metres wide and 1.49 metres high body - a slightly narrower option to the Ford Focus.