Fiat unveiled its all-new Tipo hatchback and estate at the Geneva Motor Show. It joins the Tipo saloon, which was first shown at the Istanbul Motor Show last year and the new models share the same principles of exceptional spaciousness, great specification, excellent quality and efficiency, all stylishly packaged with a degree of elegant Italian flair that belies its impressive affordability.

The Fiat Tipo hatchback provides volumes of space and is capable of accommodating three six-feet-plus adult passengers in the back – thanks to class-leading legroom and outstanding headroom – within its 4.37m long, 1.79m wide and 1.50m tall dimensions. Its boot capacity is also best-in-class with a volume of 440 litres, while the estate version adds an additional 110 litres of boot space which, at 550 litres, is also class leading. It can carry loads of up to 1.8m in length courtesy of an extra 20cm of length (4.57m); a flip-and-fold 60:40 split rear seats and completely flat load floor.

Loading awkward items into the boot of the estate is aided by a low load sill with reconfigurable components such as an adjustable load floor and removable side storage panels to further increase the width of the luggage compartment. The roller covers can conveniently be removed with one hand and stored under the floor panel, while two lights, two bag hooks and four load-retaining hooks positioned on the floor provide added convenience.

The Tipo features numerous cabin compartments with a variety of shapes and capacities totalling no less than 12 litres. Easily reachable by driver and passengers, these compartments are perfect for storing personal objects, smartphones, game consoles, bottles, coins and much more, including a USB port for charging and connecting devices. Maximum comfort is assured by the excellent driving ergonomics and the convenient positioning of the controls which can be reached easily without the driver having to take their eyes off the road.

In terms of the model range, both the hatchback and estate (saloon availability in the UK TBC) will be offered in three trim levels with air conditioning, remote central locking, rear electric windows (estate only), electric mirrors, six airbags, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel remote controls on all versions.

The powertrain range will comprise five engines in total. There are two turbo diesel engines – a 1.3-litre MultiJet II producing 95bhp and 200Nm and a 1.6-litre MultiJet II with an output of 120bhp and 320Nm, while the petrol engine range comprises a 1.4-litre 16v producing 95bhp and 125Nm, a 1.4 turbo petrol with 120bhp and 206Nm and the 1.6-litre e-TorQ engine producing 110bhp and 152Nm and combined exclusively to a six-speed, torque converter automatic transmission.

The 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine, fitted with second-generation MultiJet technology and variable geometry turbocharger, delivers remarkable fuel efficiency and low emissions. On the official combined test cycle, the Fiat Tipo 1.6 MultiJet II 120bhp returned 76.3mpg and produces just 98g/km of carbon emissions. This engine can also be combined with a six-speed TCT twin-clutch transmission.

The vehicle goes on sale in the UK in September with pricing and range to be announced closer to the UK launch.