Major car firm discontinues popular model… and will be replaced by EV amid plans to ‘overhaul’
A MAJOR car manufacturer is ditching one of its popular models – to be replaced by an EV.
Fiat is dropping its Tipo after seven years as the Italian car company is overhauling its line-up.
The family hatchback and estate versions of the Tipo will be indirectly replaced by the new 600e electric crossover.
With the Tipo’s demise, that leaves just the 500 and the Panda as Fiat’s only non-SUV cars available in the UK.
Experts say though the Tipo was never a key part of Fiat’s UK business, as it was vastly outsold by its city car siblings and the 500X crossover.
However, it will remain available to order in other markets around the world.
A Fiat spokesperson said the firm is “committed to electric urban mobility” with the Tipo being indirectly replaced in the UK with the 600e, which is due to hit the market next month.
Retailing from £32,995 it will be a rival to the Kia Niro EV and the Volvo EX30.
The 600e will also serve as a replacement for the 500X with its combustion engine.
The Tipo first went on sale in 2015 and before being axed cost from £28,745 or a 4×4-inspired Cross form which retailed form £29,245.
In 2021, Fiat also produced a version of the Tipo with a mild-hybrid powertrain but there was also a pure-petrol engine with 93bhp.
The end of the Tipo means Fiat has no direct rival to the likes of the Ford Focus or the Vauxhall Astra.
Fiat though is said to be bringing in an electric supermini in the future, according to Autocar.
It is expected to use the same EV architecture as the Vauxhall Corsa and the Peugeot e-208 and is seen as a spiritual successor to the Fiat Punto supermini.
Elsewhere, a Fiat 500 previously owned by F1 star Lando Norris hits auction for £28,000.
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