FIAT

TIPO CROSS 1.0 T3...Current trends have led many buyers of new cars to turn to SUVs and crossover vehicles, either because of their design or because of their attractive appearance.

Of course, there is also an important factor of solidity and durability, and SUV models leave just such an impression.

How justified such an impression is, we will deal with on another occasion, only the latest Cross edition "fiat type" really has something to show, especially when you take into account the ratio of the price and what you get.

In addition to the increased ground clearance, the Fiat Tipo Cross has been seriously beautified by minor aesthetic interventions.

We immediately received the new-old Fiat logo, in a true retro version. The Cross version now has "off-road" bumpers and fender edges, as well as sills with an aluminum look.

The lights have also been changed. LED technology in the headlights and taillights is standard.

It is interesting that the Tipo is still one of the few cars where the rear lights also light up during the day, i.e. together with the daytime running lights.

A new generation camera has been inserted behind the rear-view mirror whose task, in combination with a radar sensor, is to automatically activate the brake in order to avoid a collision or mitigate its consequences.

It also "reads" traffic signs with a speed limit and takes care of the automatic switching of high and dipped headlights when you drive at night on roads without street lighting.

All of that is now standard on the Cross trim, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure control.

Therefore, the safety equipment is really at the highest level, but this also led to an increase in the price, so the Tipo Cross can be purchased from 21,550 euros including VAT.

That's how much the weakest version with a 1.0 turbo-petrol of 100 hp, as it is on the test model, costs.

It is a three-cylinder machine that belongs to the latest "FireFly" generation. In some models, it reaches 120 "horses", while less than 100 horsepower is reserved for the "tipo".

Considering the relatively small weight of 1260 kilograms without taking into account the 75 kg of the driver, it turned out to have more than enough power for quite brisk driving.

First of all, we have to say that the engine is extremely smooth in terms of noise and vibrations. The turbo hole is practically imperceptible, so you can easily "squeeze" it even at very low revs and it will respond without thinking.

The gearbox has five speeds, but somehow we don't see that as a drawback. First of all, because the driver has less work, and again, the transmission ratios are long.

For example, at 130 km/h it "spins" at almost the same revs as some competitors with a similar engine in sixth gear.

More precisely, it is then at around 3000 revolutions and consumes around 7.2 l/100 km. What really surprised us was how much the designers took care of aerodynamics and sound insulation, so it is quieter on the highway than most competitors.

Usually, weaker engines have a problem with intermediate acceleration at higher road speeds, however, the Tipo Cross pleasantly surprised us in this case as well; it accelerates from 130 to 160 km/h very easily, so overtaking is absolutely safe.

All in all, the difference compared to the outgoing naturally aspirated 1.4 engine is big. Although it has only five "horses" more, the one-liter engine seems much more powerful.

This is primarily due to the turbo, which makes it far more elastic, without the need to go back to a lower gear in order to accelerate more strongly.

In the city, it is particularly slow and relatively economical; the trip computer recorded an average of 8.2 l/100km. It is easy to drive, all controls are light and precise, especially the steering wheel.

It is a tradition of Fiat to have a "siti servo" button that makes steering even easier. We haven't used it too much since the difference is small.

Rearward visibility is not great due to the relatively small rear window, but that's why there are parking sensors that make parking easier. The front, just like the rear, is standard.

The new Tipo is relatively soft to drive. You can use it on macadam without any problems, which fully justifies its crossover character.

It is not uncomfortable even over potholes, so it can be said that this is the right car for our roads and streets.

It is easy to climb curbs due to the increased ground clearance, although you still need to be careful about the rims, since the "seventeens" have a slightly lower profile.

It is stable on the road, while in the bends the leaning is not pronounced despite the somewhat elevated body.

The effects of the redesign are also noticeable in the interior. Admittedly, not so much in terms of aesthetics, but technique.

The first thing to notice is the designer fabric on the seats; it's a combination of durable fabric and vinyl, with Cross lettering.

Electrically adjustable lumbar support for the driver is also standard. The materials on the dashboard and in the door upholstery have not been changed.

It is, for the most part, hard plastic, with a partial skin covering in the elbow area. Also, savings were made on the automatic window lifter, so it is present only on the driver's.

Cross also got brand new instruments. It can be said that this is a specific variant of digital technology, with a large display in the middle and a tachometer and fuel gauge that have an analog look.

Instead of hands, they have divisions that look attractive but do not allow accurate reading. In particular, the tachometer has divisions of 500 revolutions each, which is quite a step for this type of instrument.

The speedometer is in the form of numbers or a graphic display with the appearance of an analog instrument. Therefore, even with the "type", the content on the display can be changed, along with already known indicators, including the voltmeter and engine oil temperature.

The multimedia display now has two variants. On the test sample, it is standard, with a diagonal of seven inches. Navigation costs extra, but you shouldn't worry about that.

From now on, Android Auto and Apple Car Play are standard, so you can use navigation from your mobile phone. One of the rare surcharges is for Convenience Plus, which costs 650 euros.

It includes contactless unlocking and engine start, wireless phone charging, lumbar support for the driver, rear armrest, height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear USB port.

Fiat Tipo Cross is a typical representative of the "C" segment in terms of size, so the space offered is in line with the class.

You sit back in the front, although the lowest position of the driver's seat is relatively high, just as befits a crossover.

The rear seats are spacious, with five to six centimeters of free space above the head of passengers of average height. The trunk volume of 440 liters is also average for the class.

The test car also has a full-size spare wheel, which costs an additional 110 euros and comes with a premium brand tire.

Unfortunately, there are no more cheap "types" for 12,000 euros. Atmospheric engines have gone into history, and as a replacement, turbo engines are arriving, including the new 1.5 hybrid with 130 HP.

With this engine and the DCT automatic transmission with two plates, the "tipo" costs 26,550 euros according to the price list.

The cheapest is the 1.0 turbo-petrol in the standard variant without crossover details but with plenty of safety equipment, which costs 18,050 euros.

FIAT TIPO CROSS 1.0 T3...Engine: 3 cyl, volume 999 ccm, power 74 kW (100 hp) at 5000 rpm, max. Fr. torque 190 Nm at 1500 rpm, manual gearbox, 5 degrees

Dimensions: L/W/H 4386/1802/1556 mm, intermediate axle. distance 2638 mm, trunk 440 l, tank 50 l, weight 1335 kg, tires 215/55 R17

Performance: max. speed 183 km/h, acceleration 0-100 km/h 12.2 s, average consumption 5.7 l/100 km, CO2 emission 131 g/km

by Aleksandar Bursać-Auto Magazin