[Auto] Fiat Type MY21: Check to segment C with more technology and Cross version

[#Steeven.™]

Fiat's success in the C segment faded as the first-generation Type left the market. That took place in the, already distant, year 1995 and since then the situation has been repeated. The Bravo and Brava sold well, but never at the level estimated by those responsible. With the Stilo they “got it brown” when designing a model with a Germanic image and rather fair reliability. For its part, the second installment of the Bravo sucked very high and punctured.

However, it was not until the resurrection of the Fiat Tipo that things changed. Its official debut took place in 2016 and was born as part of the Aegea Project. Well, it only took three years on the market to overcome the barrier of half a million manufactured units. Now, four years after his landing, he receives a restyling that helps him improve a lot. As much as to maintain its success and level of sales.

The aesthetic evolution of the Fiat Type MY21 is palpable and very brave

Unlike the Bravo, the 2016 Fiat Tipo offers a restrained and restrained image. Its mission is clear: it must be liked in a greater number of markets than its predecessor. This sobriety is maintained after the restyling that has suffered, although with nuances. The front features a more elaborate grille that integrates larger chrome trim. For its part, the "Fiat" logo changes and adopts the new configuration seen in the Argo or Mobi.

The optical groups also present novelties. Their exterior format does not vary, but they receive Full LED technology for all functions. In addition, the LED daytime running light now offers a more dynamic and sporty design. For its part, the bumper also has new lines. Here we find more horizontal lines and new chrome details. The location of the anti-fog remains, although the decorations around it are more noticeable.

Depending on the body (4-door, hatchback or SW station wagon) the sideline varies. However, the novelties are limited to the addition of new alloy wheels with 16 or 17 inches in size. These changes are completed by the arrival of two new tones to dress your body. They are called Ocean Blue and Paprika Orange and they bring a sporty touch to the whole. Lastly, we have to take a look at the rear configuration.

The main differences are in the design of the available bodies. As before, the sedan, hatchback and the SW station wagon are still active. In all three cases, the novelties are limited to the addition of LED technology in the optical groups. The bumpers are also updated with sharper lines and new chrome accents. However, the great novelty is the arrival to the range of the version with cross country airs.

 

With the Cross bodywork they look for the urban and adventurous customer

If you remember, you must remember the first time we talked to you about the Fiat Type Cross. Until the filtering of its arrival, we did not imagine that the FCA Group wanted to enter the SUV segment with this model. However, the high demand from the public and the launch of rivals such as the Kia XCeed or Ford Focus Active encouraged them to do so. Thus, based on the hatchback body they have created their particular version.

From the outset, the Cross Type seems wider than the "normal" one. This is because it has a more pronounced grille that extends below the headlamps. A new bumper that includes a chrome gray protection and an updated lower air intake also collaborates. However, if we go to the side view we also appreciate decorative elements typical of this version. The main one: the black plastic protections.

They extend through the lower area of the bodywork and together with a greater ground clearance they provide that off-road touch. For this, the suspension increases its size by four centimeters, favoring greater visibility when driving. Nor can we overlook the footrest and chrome mirror caps or the roof bars finished in the same finish. In addition, it adds exclusive design alloy wheels.

To finish we must take a look behind. Although it is a special version, as we have mentioned the novelties in this section are limited. Here they are limited to the LED technology of the optics and the arrival of the 'Cross' logo on your hatchback. The bumper will also feature sharper lines to highlight its aspirations. Everything, to maintain the trail of success started by the Panda Cross and its versions.

 

Known interior although with more technology and security

Inside, the review of the Fiat Type MY21 is interesting. For those who know his physiognomy the same is not important, but hides several secrets. In the first place, as we already anticipated, it joins the digital trend by releasing a configurable instrument panel with 7 inches. The touch screen also grows in size, becoming (depending on the version) 10.25 inches and integrating the UConnect 5 system.

The steering wheel modifies its design, being now more compact and offering better grip. Already, in the central area of the dashboard we appreciate some revised controls for the climate control or decorations. At the technological level, the Type MY21 introduces elements such as "Keyless Entry / Go" hands-free access and start, a "Wireless Charger" wireless charger for smartpone or a USB socket for the seats in the second row.

The trim levels with which the Fiat Type MY21 will be available revolve around two families. The first is Life and it also has three finishes: Type, City Life and Life. The second is Cross and as it happens in the Panda, it unfolds in the City Cross and Cross. The first is available for the sedan, hatchback or station wagon bodywork. For its part, the second is limited exclusively to the five-door hatchback.

Depending on the chosen termination, security has been increased notably. Without being the benchmark in the compact segment, it adds driving aids such as traffic sign recognition or adaptive high-beam. Also present are the intelligent speed assistant, Lane Control to avoid lane departure or fatigue detector. In addition, there will be no lack of Blind Spot Assist or blind spot control.

 

Mechanical offer restrained in power, but not in intention

The mechanical offer of the Fiat Type MY21 also assumes variations. In gasoline it says goodbye, forever, to the Fire and MultiAir families. Now it goes to the FireFly and does so by adopting the small turbocharged 1.0 GSE T3 three-cylinder with 100 hp of power and 190 Nm of maximum torque. For now it will be the only version available, although perhaps later a version with some kind of electrical assistance in the style of the 500 and Panda could arrive.

In diesel, the offer remains as we knew it except for the power of the most performance. It starts with the familiar 1.3 MultiJet II and the same 95 hp of power. At the top, the 1.6 MultiJet II block remains undaunted, which sees its performance increase to 130 hp. Regarding the available transmissions, Fiat has not commented, but surely they are of the manual type with 5 and 6 relations depending on the power.

For the military in one of the most contested segments, its variety and power level is really restrained. However, the claims of Type MY21 are what they are and are focused on meeting the demands of renting companies and fleets. Therefore, and unless emissions regulations oblige the FCA Group, no electric or higher power versions will arrive. All in all, it is enough to cover the needs of a large part of the market.

 

When will the Fiat Type MY21 hit the market? What will its price be? Is your purchase recommended?

As Fiat itself has announced, the commercial launch of the Type MY21 will take place in a few weeks. Specifically, it will storm the showrooms from the end of November. If you have to talk about price, mention that it will maintain the same strategy as until now. That is, it will be one of the tightest in the market to position itself in the lower part of the segment. In this way with promotions it will start at 13,900 euros.

Well, taking into account everything we know, is the Fiat Type MY21 recommended? Things as they are, the Italian firm does not have the best compact on the market, nor does it pretend. Its mission is to fulfill everything without standing out in anything, so it will offer an excellent price-quality-equipment-habitability ratio. The Golf, Astra or León are not their rivals to beat, but if they continue to sink the Citroën C-Elysée or Dacia Sandero.