1990 Fiat Tipo DGT review from Australia and New Zealand

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.

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.