Текст 57

FIAT

Bold design incorporating several features normally the preserve of much larger and more expensive cars, is seen in Fiat's new small car called Tipo, which in Italian means Type. Sales in Britain start in July.

Success came to Fiat with its fresh approach in the Uno mini, and bravado is clearly expected to work again with the Tipo, the short-overhang rear-end styling of which certainly exhibits the shock treat­ment. But Fiat asserts that there is sound practical sense in it and that the strange rear quarter windows give a bright interior, a good view out for rear passengers, and help the driver when reversing.

Most significant of all, and calcu­lated to create a better reputation for anti-corrosion protection, is the use of galvanised steel for all the exterior panelling and some interior of the shell, totalling 70 per cent. Wheel arches have plastic liners.

For smooth air flow the underway of the body is largely flat, with all reinforcing members inside the car. Then the front window frames of the doors overlap the pillars and continue into the roof.

Roof guttering is replaced by a double seal inside the top of the doors. The windscreen is flush bonded, and side windows are almost flush with the outer skin. At the rear, the tailgate curves right round the corners, and opens down to the bumper, its com­plex shape being made possible by forming it in thermosetting polyester.

Initially, the Tipo is made only as a five-door hatchback, and it has choice of three petrol engines: 1108 c.c., giv­ing 56 h.p.; 1372 c.c. and 72 h.p.; and an 83 h.p. 1580 c.c unit. All have cogged belt-driven single overhead camshaft.

There are also two diesels: a turbocharged 1929 c.c. giving 92 h. p. will be available in Britain from launch: and the importers are also consider­ing a " fleet hopeful" 1697 c.c. non-turbo 58 h.p. unit. The engines are transversely mounted and drive the front wheels.

A completely new five-speed gear­box has been developed with an emphasis on a lighter and more precise gearchange.

The suspension is independent all round, with MacPherson struts at front and, at the rear, a shallow layout with trailing arms having squat coil springs above them. The arms pivot on a subframe comprising two longitudinal bearers bolted to the body and joined by a transverse rube.

Unusual on a small car is the option of power assisted steering with the non-turbocharged diesel model and all but the 1108 c.c. petrol-engine ones. Power steering is standard on the turbocharged diesel, for which there is also the option of anti-lock brakes.

Although a wide range of options is listed, the model palette has been simplified by offering just two levels of trim: standard, and Digit. For the turbo diesel - which is evidently regarded as top of the range in Italy, where diesel cars are so popular - and for the 1580 c.c. petrol model, only the Digit trim is available. Features of the Digit specification include the controversial one of digital instru­mentation. Other Digit features are electric front window lifts, central door and tailgate locking, halogen headlamps, and two-tone horn. All versions can have an optional sliding sunroof (electric on Digit), and headlamps wash/wipe (Digit only). Air con­ditioning is also offered for all Digit models except the 1100.

The rear seats fold flat for extra luggage space, after first tipping the cushion forward: but a divided rear seat is provided only as an option, available for any model. Perhaps Fiat questions how often this feature really is needed and used.

A new approach to interior design is taken in the fitting of most minor controls on the two column-mounted stalks. Such switches as rear fog lamps, rear wiper and washer, heated rear window, and the four-stage wiper switch, are all on the stalks. Fiat says this gives the advantages that everything can be reached with the driver's hands still holding the steering wheel, and that it eliminates unsightly blanks for switches not fit­ted on a standard model.

There is no doubt that the Tipo represents a radical departure from the mundane Strada range. If the prices are acceptable, the promised low running costs and bold equip­ment and option levels might tempt buyers and bring Fiat back into the volume section of this area of the market.