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Fiat Bravo 1.9

With a combination of good looks, impressive pace and well-furnished cabin, the 500 is a sure-fire hit.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

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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.

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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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