Fiat Tipo set to make its debut in Ghana ( http://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/fiat-tipo-set-to-make-its-debut-in-ghana.html )

Tanink Ghana Limited, a member of the Tanink Group and exclusive franchisee of Italian-American luxury and utility cars in Ghana, is set to introduce into the Ghanaian market a new rival to the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra by the end of September this year.

Called the Tipo, the name was last used in the mid ’90s on another mid-sized hatchback. The Tipo is set to carve out a niche among rivals.
I was part of selected journalists from Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region invited to test the new FIAT Tipo and from the over one hour, thirty minutes long test drive around the streets of Turin, the Tipo proved very comfortable.
The first striking feature of the car is its stylish design. Designed in Italy by Centro Stile Fiat and jointly developed with Tofaş Research and Development, the Fiat Tipo engaged a team of over 2,000 people for nearly three years.
Reliable, fuel-efficient engines
According to the markets, customers can choose two petrol engines (1.4 Fire 95 HP and 1.6 E.torQ 110 HP) or one of Multijet II turbo diesels (1.3 95 HP). All engines are combined with front-wheel drive and five or six-speed manual gearboxes, except for the 1.6 E.torQ which is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, for smooth and comfortable driving in all situations.
Bold exterior
From the side, a distinctive line joins the front headlights to the rear light clusters, while the glazing conveys a dynamic effect which adds to the idea of roominess and provides large doors for easy access for driver and passengers. Aerodynamic which adds a sporty touch to the car stretches from the pillars to the roof, while the muscular wheel arches provide a feeling of strength and solidity.
The rear end is complemented by an integrated spoiler wrapped around the box which ensures good aerodynamics and a robust, protective bumper with thin, elegant integrated reflectors.
Similarly, the lower part of Fiat Tipo expresses the best in terms of wheel coverage and side profile in plan. The side mirrors are specifically designed to obtain ultimate performance in terms of acoustics and aerodynamic efficiency.
Ergonomic, functional and quiet interiors
The interiors were designed starting from real customer needs and enhancing functional elements with a sophisticated touch of style.
Examples are the crescent dashboard, which is the distinctive element of the car. It encompasses the central area and splits the dashboard volumes into two half-shells (one of which is more textured and tactile, while the other is more functional and technical) to make the whole visually lighter and to accent the roominess of the passenger compartment at the same time.
Roominess and load capacity
The Fiat Tipo has a large, bright passenger compartment which is extraordinarily livable and affords superior comfort in terms of ergonomics and room to the driver and passengers.
The Operations & Logistics Manager of Tanink Ghana, Mr Fred Nyame, said the Fiat Tipo would satisfy the unique needs of its Ghanaian clients who desired quality. “Fiat believes in quality and we want our clients to get value for money hence the introduction of this range of products in the Ghanaian Market.”
The Chief Executive of Tanink Ghana, Mr Roger Klogo, said the Tipo would offer a real value for money car with lots of practicalities and features. “Tipo is a beautiful car as far as I am concerned; we now have a car to fight the C–Segment which is largely dominated by Toyota Corolla in this country.”