Fiat Tipo and Fiat Panda: the refreshed Functional Family

Not long after we got to see - and drive - the third generation of the Fiat 500, offered exclusively as an electric model, the Italian manufacturer moved quickly to unveil its revamped “Functional Family”, made up of the Fiat Tipo and Fiat Panda.

“Functional Family”? Yes, because Fiat’s range does not begin and end with the 500. For several years now, Fiat has described its line-up as being built around two pillars: one more aspirational and image-led, fronted by the 500; and a second, more practical and adaptable pillar, with the Panda as its headline act. And while the 500 side has, until now, attracted most of the spotlight (500L, 500X, New 500), the coming period will give greater prominence to the more pragmatic pillar (Panda, Tipo) - or, in Fiat’s own words, to the Functional Family.

We will still have to wait a little longer to meet a completely new model from this Functional Family - influenced by the Centoventi concept - so, for the moment, the focus is the simultaneous debut of the updated Fiat Panda and the refreshed Fiat Tipo.

Life, Sport and Cross

Both models now share the same range structure, which is split into three themes - Life, Sport and Cross - shaping their appearance as well as certain features. Life is the most urban, Sport the most dynamic, and Cross the most adventure-focused. Each theme can then be offered across several equipment levels.

The Fiat Tipo Life is available in three equipment levels - Tipo, City Life and Life - and in three body styles: five-door hatchback, four-door saloon and estate (Station Wagon). The Fiat Tipo Sport is offered only as City Sport and comes in five-door and estate forms. Finally, the Fiat Tipo Cross is sold in two levels, City Cross and Cross, and only with the five-door body.

As for the Fiat Panda Life, it is split into Panda and City Life trims. The Panda Sport comes in just a single trim, while the Panda Cross is divided into City Cross and Cross.

Fiat Tipo Cross, an all-new proposition

Between the two, the Fiat Tipo is where the biggest changes are found. Introduced in 2015 (saloon) and 2016 (five-door and estate), it was due a more substantial refresh - and that is exactly what it has received.

Fiat’s compact family car has been treated to a facelift focused mainly on the front end. Up front there are new headlamps, now in LED, along with a new grille and a redesigned bumper. Another key point is the Fiat badge, which now consists only of the lettering - interestingly, this is the first model in the brand’s range to use it at the front, as the new 500 will wear it only at the rear. Around the back, the LED tail-lamps have also been updated, and there are new wheel designs (16″ and 17″), additional decorative details and new colours.

Inside, while the overall design has not been dramatically altered - there are fresh trims and a newly shaped steering wheel - the technology offering has moved on considerably. This Tipo gains a 7″ digital instrument cluster for the first time - a nod back to the original Tipo launched in 1988, which also featured a digital interior - and the new UConnect 5 infotainment system first seen in the new 500, displayed on a generous 10,25″ touchscreen.

Connectivity has been upgraded too, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included wirelessly. Staying on the “wireless” theme, inductive smartphone charging is now available.

The technology boost is also clear in the driver assistance suite, with the refreshed Fiat Tipo adding systems such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Keeping, Driver Fatigue Detection, Adaptive High Beam, Blind Spot Assist, plus front parking sensors and keyless entry/start.

The headline addition, however - previously shown by Automotive Reason on an earlier occasion - is the new Fiat Tipo Cross, a Tipo… crossover. It not only adopts a more distinctive look thanks to extra plastic cladding and different bumpers, it also sits 7 cm higher overall. That increase is split between an extra 4 cm of ground clearance and 3 cm contributed by new roof bars, which were previously exclusive to the estate. The wheels fitted are also wider.

Another new reveal is the Fiat Tipo City Sport, due to reach us during the first quarter of 2021. Alongside its specific styling touches, the colour Metropolis Grey will be exclusive to it, as will the 18″ diamond-cut wheels. The bespoke feel continues inside, with a black headlining and a sportier steering wheel design.

Changes also extend to the engine line-up. The updated Fiat Tipo introduces the 1.0 GSE T3 - 1,0 l, turbocharged, 100 hp and 190 Nm at 1500 rpm - from the Firefly engine family, replacing the previous naturally aspirated 1.4 with 95 hp and 127 Nm (at 4500 rpm). With increased availability - more torque delivered earlier - it promises to “pair” better with the Tipo’s family-focused brief, while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

On the diesel side, already compliant with Euro 6D, the 1.3 Multijet with 95 hp remains in the range, as does the 1.6 Multijet - now rated at 130 hp instead of the previous 120 hp.

Fiat Panda Sport does not make you forget the Panda 100 HP

The Fiat Panda had already received an update at the start of the year, when the new 1.0 Firefly 70 hp engine with a 12 V mild-hybrid system was introduced - a model we have already tested - so this latest step is less about a facelift and more about a technology upgrade.

During our test, the absence of an infotainment system stood out, and that gap has now been addressed. The Fiat Panda can now be specified with a system operated via a 7″ touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Using these features also allows you to store your smartphone in a newly created dedicated space.

As before, the Panda underlines its versatility by being offered with several powertrains - from the latest 1,0 l 70 hp mild-hybrid, to the bi-fuel LPG version (1,2 l and 69 hp), and the TwinAir (0,9 l, turbo and 85 hp) - as well as in both two- and four-wheel-drive variants.

The biggest addition to the line-up is the Fiat Panda Sport, which will be available only with the 1.0 Firefly Hybrid engine producing 70 hp. That is a long way, for something wearing the Sport name, from the more hard-edged Panda 100 HP. Although it was not sold in Portugal, that earlier-generation version built a strong following across Europe thanks to its fun character, firm ride (suspension) and lively performance (1.4 with 100 hp).

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