CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 90
Average Price: Around £4,700

Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonably practical cabin	Disappointing to drive
Decent boot space	Hard plastics in the low-rent cabin
Very cheap to buy	Poor safety rating, unless fitted with the optional Safety Pack

Quick Summary

The Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) is a practical and affordable family hatchback that trades on nostalgia whilst offering exceptional value for money. With a spacious 440-litre boot and generous rear legroom, it provides genuine practicality for families and commuters. The cabin is straightforward and durable, though materials feel hard and uninspired compared to rivals. Engine options range from a 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol to a 128bhp 1.5-litre mild hybrid, with older examples offering additional petrol and diesel choices. Running costs are competitive, with the 1.3-litre diesel achieving an impressive 76.3mpg on paper.

However, the Tipo disappoints in several key areas. Handling is uninspiring with noticeable body roll, whilst ride quality feels unsettled on typical British roads. Wind and road noise are more prominent than in competitors, and the infotainment system lags behind the class. The design is bland and anonymous, lacking the flair expected from Fiat. Despite these shortcomings, its catastrophically poor residual values as a new car make it exceptionally cheap on the used market, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers seeking basic, honest transport.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking affordable, practical transport; families needing spacious accommodation; those prioritising low purchase price over driving dynamics.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking engaging handling, premium cabin materials, advanced technology, or top safety ratings without optional packs.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Tipo if: You're on a tight budget, seeking affordable, practical transport, or prioritising low purchase price over driving dynamics and cabin quality.

Consider alternatives if: You value engaging handling, premium cabin materials, advanced technology, or require a strong safety rating without optional packs.

Competitive Position: The Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) occupies a unique position in the used family hatchback market as the budget alternative. Whilst it lags significantly behind rivals like the Seat Leon, Ford Focus, and Vauxhall Astra in driving dynamics, build quality, and technology, its exceptional affordability makes it compelling for cost-conscious buyers. The Tipo's practicality and low running costs are genuine strengths, but in a crowded market packed with accomplished alternatives, it represents a compromise between price and overall quality. For basic, honest transport at minimal cost, it's a sensible choice; for anything more, competitors offer better value despite higher purchase prices.

Read our full Fiat Tipo Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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