News Source: topspeed.com

Earlier in 2015, Fiat  unveiled the Egea, a concept  that previewed a compact sedan  designed to replace the aging Linea. A few months later, the production car with the same name was launched in Turkey and renamed the Tipo  for other markets. More recently, a hatchback version of the Tipo  was spotted testing in Europe, confirming rumors that Fiat also wants a piece of the five-door compact  market.

Aimed at the highly disputed C-segment that includes popular hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf  and the Ford Focus, the Tipo will replace the Bravo, which was discontinued in Europe in 2014. However, like its sedan brother, the Tipo hatch will be a more affordable and simple car powered by less powerful, but significantly more fuel-efficient engines.

Details are scarce as of this writing, but the hatchback  is expected to break cover in the first half of 2016 and go on sale by the end of the year. Also, even though the prototype shows very little skin, the fact that we already know what the Tipo sedan looks like, makes guessing what’s under the camo a lot easier. Find out more in my speculative review below.

Although the thick layer of camouflage does a great job at keeping most of the car’s bodywork hidden , the Tipo hatchback’s design isn’t much of a mystery , as it will be nearly identical to the sedan toward the B-pillar. The front fascia will be similar, meaning it will sport a wide grille with "floating" chrome inserts , a pair of stylish headlamps, and a nicely sculpted muscular engine hood. The bumper also appears to be the same save for the round foglamps.

Around back is where the Tipo will look different than its sedan sibling, ditching the traditional deck and trunk lid in favor of a tailgate. The spy shots suggest that the taillights have also been redesigned compared to the sedan’s C-shaped units. The bumper’s lower section, on the other hand, appears to be identical.

In production form, the hatchback should benefit from the same options as the sedan. Customers should be able to pick between 16- or 17-inch wheels and seven exterior colors, including Gelato White, Colosseo Grey, Amore Red, Cinema Black, Maestro Grey, Magnetico Bronze and Canal Grande Blue.

Note: Fiat Tipo sedan pictured here.

Much like the exterior, the interior too will mirror the sedan’s. Look for the same fresh dashboard design, clean center console, new steering wheel, and a more upscale appearance overall. Although luggage space will be reduced due to the hatchback configuration, Fiat will probably retain the 60/40 split rear seats.

Technology-wise, the Tipo comes standard with an LCD screen, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth. The more expensive trim will benefit from a five-inch Uconnect touchscreen, which allows access to an array of functions including DAB radio and multimedia connectivity. A TomTom 3D navigation system with TMC and IQ Routes, and a 220-watt audio system will be standard on the range-topping version and optional on other trims.

Under the hood, the hatchback should receive the same drivetrain as the sedan, meaning it will arrive with a choice of two gasoline engines and two oil burners.

The gas range will include a 1.4-liter "Fire" rated at 95 PS and 127 Nm of torque (94 horsepower and 94 pound-feet) and a 1.6-liter "E.torQ" that cranks out 110 PS and 152 Nm of torque (108 horses and 112 pound-feet). Both engines are four-cylinders.

Expect performance figures to be similar to the sedan’s. The base model will reach 62 mph from a standing start in around 11.5 seconds and top out at 185 km/h (115 mph). The larger engine will return 11.2-second sprints and a top speed of 192 km/h (119 mph).

In the diesel department, Fiat will offer two MultiJet four-pots displacing 1.3 and 1.6 liters. The smaller unit will deliver 95 PS and 200 Nm (94 horsepower and 148 pound-feet), charge from 0 to 62 mph in 11.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). The larger 1.6-liter engine will generate 120 PS and 320 Nm of twist (118 horses and 236 pound-feet), hit 62 mph in 9.7 seconds, and go up to a top speed of 199 km/h (124 mph).

As with the sedan, both gasoline engines will mate to a six-speed manual transmission, while the 1.3-liter diesel will get a five-cog unit. The 1.6-liter oil burner will be the only one fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox. It’s too early to talk about prices here, but given that the sedan retails from €14,500 in Italy, it’s safe to assume that the hatch will cost less than that, which would also make it more affordable than the €14,000 Punto. In the U.K., the Tipo hatchback could start from around £10,000 in base trim. Production will commence at Fiat’s Bursa plant in Turkey, with deliveries to begin in 2016. Just like the sedan, the five-door will be sold in Europe and several markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.