Faults:

Nothing has GONE wrong so far. Not quite perfect to start with.

General Comments:

OK, OK - a few lines about my recently acquired Tipo. I'm a car nut, so had to give one a try as I'm told they are a fine chassis. My reasoning was, I decided to get something a little more hatch-versatile as I work as a tradesman currently, and this a bit more space/versatility than my Mitsubishi FTO. A van would be ideal, though, I'd pay a lot more for any decent one. So my expectations weren't high.

I must say this one is growing on me. Metallics are the colour to go for, as these seem to look quite contemporary for a car now hitting its early twenties. Mine is quite straight too, which is good as I'm past driving old sh**e-boxes, so I'm not at all embarrassed to park and walk away from it when there are people about.

To drive - well it's not exactly a rev happy screamer that'll take your breath away. My old 1.3 Uno loved a tickle-up far more than this does, I wonder whether the top end needs some work. I've played about with the timing as it was clearly retarded somewhat - that makes 2 of us... so now it starts, and pulls better. The heater and fan don't work, but I reckon I can see to this myself before next winter, neither does the drivers' electric window, something simple no doubt.

Well the real measure for me and this car is how does it drive? And so today I took it through one of my favourite twisty roads. I got home and I was grinning; my God, what a chassis. So neutral, it just seemed to laugh at everything I was prepared to serve up, holding its line and instilling confidence at every corner. Beautiful steering, which can be tillered one-handed, and not bad at all on puny 165-section rubber - I think my lawnmower is better shod. The motor is laughably anemic, then again I am used to a 2 litre mivec V6, which will rev to the moon. Ride comfort in these is good too.

In a nutshell then, Fine and functional, but not a Toyota. All they need is some power - I want a Sedicivalvole now.

Faults:

Door latches and locks fail regularly. They only need to be lubed though.

Alternator failed, was rebuilt.

Clutch had judder, replaced.

Carburettor fell off! needed a new rubber mount.

CV boots leaked, were replaced. CV noisy, was replaced.

Rear wiper does not work.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable, cheap to run. Can be left outside and does not rust. Simple to work on, mechanics don't get grumpy with it.

Handles very good, could have more power.

Comfort adequate.

Faults:

Clutch needed replacing at 114,000 kilometres.

Crank Angle Sensor failed at 110,000 kilometres.

The engine seems to have a flat spot between 2000 and 3000 revs. It appears to be a common problem.

General Comments:

The Tipo achieves great balance as a true all-rounder.

Handling is laugh-out-loud fun - you can punt it through corners with ease. Only typical front-wheel drive understeer will try and spoil the party, but it's under control at all times.

Weighing in at just 980 kilos, the Tipo is quick off the mark, and still feels good at speeds over 120 kilometres per hour.

But it's also an extremely practical car. Interior space rivals a 2.0 litre saloon. And while some may baulk at the digital dash, it's a very handy apparatus. You know the odometer hasn't been tampered with by some backyard grease-monkey, plus it impresses chicks in the dark! But enough on that...

The forecast outside is looking good too, with chiseled lines courtesy of Italy's IDEA Studio.

FIAT's torquey 1597cc four-cylinder loves a thrashing, but can be very economical too. Sounds great with a big ol' hole in the muffler.