THE Fiat Tipo range is being extended with an SUV-oriented crossover model which is being introduced as the entire line up gets a makeover.

The new Tipo Cross has a more powerful stance on the road and comes with a new grille design that extends below the headlights and a higher ride height.

The Cross is almost 7cm taller than the standard Tipo and has a more solid appearance with a skid plate at the front, a bumper featuring a prominent bull bar, side skirts and roof bars available on the Station Wagon version. Larger tyres add to its robust look.

The new model is arriving as Fiat refreshes the entire Tipo line up giving both the hatch and estate versions a more modern, look, with updated headlights, now with full-LEDs, refreshed bumpers and a redesigned grille, with the new Fiat badge.

The Tipo is also taking the company's new wordmark logo following its launch on the new 500.

Inside, the passenger compartment is updated with a fully configurable seven-inch TFT digital cluster to replace the previous analogue instrument panel.

A more ergonomic steering wheel is also being fitted to provide better visibility of the seven-inch TFT cluster while the air conditioning controls have been updated with new chrome and black inserts.

The Tipo is also taking the company's new wordmark logo following its launch on the new 500.

Fiat says it will be releasing more information about the new Tipo range in November.