Fiat Tipo
The Fiat Tipo was European Car of the Year on its launch in 1988. A front-wheel drive five-door hatchback, it was an important step forward for the manufacturers. The Tipo's predecessor, the Fiat Ritmo/Strada, had given Fiat a reputation for making flimsy, unreliable and rust-prone cars. It was vital for Fiat that the Tipo had to re-establish Fiat as a manufacturer of quality cars. So it was made out of galvanized body panels and the rusting curse was finally lifted.
But there was more to the new Tipo than being rust-proof. Its completely new chassis gave one of the best ride and handling combinations in the small family car sector.
Power came from 1.1, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines as well as a 1.7 turbo-diesel. Barring the base engine (which was never sold in the UK or numerous other export markets), all of these power units gave good performance and refinement.
Interior space and equipment were all good, with comfortable seating in a car which on some versions was available with power steering, electric windows and central locking.
The UK market was initially offered just the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol units as well as the 1.7 turbo-diesel. But in 1991 the 1.8 and 2.0 16-valve engines were also imported and showed just how good the Tipo chassis was.
Minor revisions to the Tipo range in 1993 saw the addition of a three-door version and improved specification—some of the range could now be had with safety specification like a driver's airbag and antilock brakes.
The Tipo chassis also spawned three more cars. The first of these was the Fiat Tempra saloon and estate (Station Wagon) in 1990. Then came the Alfa Romeo 155 saloon and Fiat Coupé—officially the Coupé Fiat—in 1993.
The Tipo finally ceased production at the end of 1995 to be replaced by the three-door Bravo and five-door Brava. The Tempra hung on another year before being replaced by the Marea.
The Tipo-based Alfa Romeo 155 was replaced by the 156 in 1997 and the Fiat Coupé ceased production in 2000 and has yet to be replaced.