Fiat’s return to the compact hatchback segment was caught driving around in Turkey by a Carscoops reader just ahead of an expected world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.

“I took this photo earlier today near Fiat’s factory in Bursa, Turkey,” Alper told us.

The five-door Tipo remains wrapped in camouflage, but we already know from previous sightings that it will retain the sedan model’s modern front end, as well as the interior, adding a tapered roofline and slanted tailgate, finished off with boomerang-style tail lamps.

Boot space will be down from the Tipo saloon’s 520-liter capacity, but it will come with the added practicality of a rear tailgate and 60:40 split folding rear seats.

European buyers will have the same powertrains choices as the sedan, meaning two Multijet II diesels and two gasoline units stretching from 95PS (94HP) to 120PS (118 HP), connected to 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the engine.

The Tipo Hatch and sedan will be joined by an Estate version, which may also be revealed in Geneva.

Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) officials have stated that they intend to position the Tipo family as a roomy, economical and most importantly, affordable entry in the C-segment. All Tipo models will be produced at Fiat’s Tofas joint venture plant in Turkey.

Thanks to Alper for the scoop!

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