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Auto Express Car Reviews
Fiat Bravo 1.9
Fiat Bravo 1.9 Multijet 150
With a combination of good looks, impressive pace and well-furnished cabin, the 500 is a sure-fire hit.
Influence of Punto clear in front end.
Text: David Ross / Photos: Matt Vosper
July 2007
- Rating:
It's the 500 that's grabbing the headlines this week, but another new Fiat has just arrived in the UK. After a six-year absence from our showrooms, the Bravo is back.
The latest model from the Italian firm was created in only 18 months, thanks to cutting-edge computer-aided design and engineering, and it has already been awarded a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
There's no denying it looks good - the front end takes the best bits from the smaller Grande Punto. The rising waistline and sloping roof give the Bravo a sporty profile, while the rear is neat and unfussy.
The cabin is a revelation for Fiat, with excellent fit and finish. But you will find a few areas where the plastics feel average. The boot lip is a bit on the high side, too; it leaves a narrow opening, so filling the large load area is a tricky process. Rear passengers also have limited legroom.
In the UK, the five-door-only model gets a choice of five engines, including a new turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol with 150bhp. But the biggest-seller is set to be the 1.9-litre Multijet diesel powerplant, which is available in 120bhp or 150bhp guises.
We drove the range-topping oil-burner, and it's certainly got plenty of pace, sprinting from 0-60mph in nine seconds. But it's the 305Nm of torque that's most impressive, as it gives the Bravo punchy in-gear performance. The ride is slightly firm, and can be a little crashy over rough road surfaces, yet it's supple enough to ensure motorway journeys are smooth and comfortable.
Our £15,195 Dynamic model is well equipped, with 16-inch alloys, curtain airbags and climate control as standard. And overall, the Bravo is a stylish alter-native to more conservative rivals.
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| The ride is slightly firm, and can be a little crashy over rough road surfaces, yet it's supple enough to ensure motorway journeys are smooth and comfortable. | |
 |
The latest model from the Italian firm was created in only 18 months, thanks to cutting-edge computer-aided design and engineering, and it has already been awarded a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
There's no denying it looks good - the front end takes the best bits from the smaller Grande Punto. The rising waistline and sloping roof give the Bravo a sporty profile, while the rear is neat and unfussy.
The cabin is a revelation for Fiat, with excellent fit and finish. But you will find a few areas where the plastics feel average. The boot lip is a bit on the high side, too; it leaves a narrow opening, so filling the large load area is a tricky process. Rear passengers also have limited legroom.
In the UK, the five-door-only model gets a choice of five engines, including a new turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol with 150bhp. But the biggest-seller is set to be the 1.9-litre Multijet diesel powerplant, which is available in 120bhp or 150bhp guises.
We drove the range-topping oil-burner, and it's certainly got plenty of pace, sprinting from 0-60mph in nine seconds. But it's the 305Nm of torque that's most impressive, as it gives the Bravo punchy in-gear performance. The ride is slightly firm, and can be a little crashy over rough road surfaces, yet it's supple enough to ensure motorway journeys are smooth and comfortable.
Our £15,195 Dynamic model is well equipped, with 16-inch alloys, curtain airbags and climate control as standard. And overall, the Bravo is a stylish alter-native to more conservative rivals.
Pictures
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FIRST OPINION
- Fiat is back to what it does best - making small cars that will sell. The 500 is a sure-fire winner, and while its big brother Bravo can't match the city star for character, it shouldn't be dismissed. Ford's Focus and Honda's Civic offer a better driving experience, but if you want something distinctive, the Bravo could well fit the bill.
AT A GLANCE
- Price: £15,195
- Engine: 1.9-litre 4cyl 16v
- Power: 150bhp
- Torque: 305Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
- Economy: 50.4mpg
- 0-60mph: 9.0 seconds
- CO2: 149g/km
- Standard equipment: Electric windows, climate control, 16-inch alloys, cruise control, front foglights, window airbags, leather steering wheel
- On sale: Now
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