CAUGHT: 2021 Fiat Tipo (Dodge Neon) Station Wagon:
New Powertrain, Tech, and Updated Styling For The Compact Lineup...
If you aren’t familiar with the Fiat Tipo compact sedan/hatchback/wagon, it plays an important role in both the global FIAT and Dodge brand portfolios. That is right, the compact Fiat offering is badged as the Dodge Neon in the Mexican and Middle Eastern regions. Since 2015, the Tipo in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region has been selling at a level which is above expectations and has been the best-selling car in Turkey for the past three years. Now, the Fiat compact is preparing to receive its first Mid-Cycle Action (MCA) according to recent spy photos.
Our friend Walter Vayr of Gabetz Spy Photos, caught the 2021 Fiat Tipo Station Wagon out testing on the streets of Europe.
According to our sources, FIAT will replace the vulnerable 1.4-liter FIRE inline-four-cylinder engine with its new GSE/FIREFLY engine lineups. The new lineup should lead to better fuel economy and performance. The entry-level engine will more than likely be a new version of the 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three-cylinder (GSE-T3). Currently, the small 1.0-liter currently sits under the hood of the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X in certain regions. It produces a peak power rating of 118 horsepower (88 kW) and 190 N⋅m (140 lb-ft) of torque.
Our sources also indicate that the 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder (GSE-T4) also found in the Renegade and 500X, has proven to be a successful engine globally. The 1.3-liter offers an amazing two different outputs, depending on the region. The horsepower can range from 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 270 N⋅m (199 lb-ft) of torque to 178 horsepower (132 kW) and 270–285 N⋅m (199–210 lb-ft) of torque. In addition to the gasoline options, the Tipo will also offer a 1.6-liter diesel that will be updated to the newest Euro 6D final emission standards.
We are also hearing that the Tipo lineup, will be expanded with a P2 mild-hybrid engine option. For those who aren’t familiar with hybrid powertrains, P2 means that the electric motor will be placed inside the transmission. The system enables pure electric driving by using a disconnect clutch to disengage the combustion engine. The P2 system offers a wide range of functionality and can easily be integrated into the drivetrain, which makes it the solution of choice for hybrid vehicles. Expect, the mild-hybrid option to arrive later in the 2021 model year.
There also will be updates on the technology front as well. A new set of optional full-LED headlights will be available. The Tipo will receive the latest Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) autonomy. This will include the following…
- Highway Assist System
- Traffic Jam Assist System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Lane Keep Assist
- Active Blind-Spot Assist
- Driver Attention Alert
- Standard Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus
Inside, the Tipo trio should receive a redesigned instrument panel (I/P) and featuring the latest updated Uconnect 5 infotainment systems. We are hearing that the big 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen from the all-new electrified Fiat 500 could make its way, to the top tier models.
We can expect, the FIAT brand to make an announcement about the updates soon. For those who are fans of the global Dodge Neon, we can predict that the compact sedan will receive all of the same updates as well. Stay tuned, as we will continue to break down all the information on the 2021 Fiat Tipo/Dodge Neon as soon as it becomes available.
