Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Bravo

New addition from the Italian firm offers lower fuel costs and emissions.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Fiat Bravo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new 1.6-litre Multijet diesel engine backs up the Italian firm’s plans to be a global leader in green motoring. Both power outputs offer impressive punch, low emissions and brilliant economy. Factor in the Bravo’s slick styling, decent equipment levels and sensible pricing, and you’ve got an enticing prospect. In future, expect to see even more small-capacity turbodiesels – but for now, this Fiat represents an excellent buy.

Advertisement - Article continues below

When it comes to clean and green transport, there’s never been more choice. And if you’re in the market for a frugal, low-emission family car, Volkswagen’s Golf Bluemotion, SEAT’s Leon ECOmotive (driven on Page 30) and Ford’s upcoming Focus ECOnetic should all be on your list.

But there’s another model to add to that line-up – Fiat’s new Bravo 1.6-litre Multijet diesel. And while it doesn’t boast a special ‘green’ badge on its bootlid, it returns figures that are as amazing as its eco-tagged rivals.

Due to go on sale in the UK in March, the new powerplant will be available with either 105bhp or 120bhp – the latter replaces the 1.9-litre diesel of the same output that currently appears in the Bravo range. The flagship 150bhp 1.9-litre unit will continue unchanged.

In standard trim, the 1.6 turbo-diesel emits 129g/km of CO2. But Fiat will also offer a special £300 Eco Pack for the new unit, which results in emissions of only 119g/km.

This will drop annual road tax to £35 and slash business users’ tax bills, too. In addition, it returns an incredible 62.8mpg combined, while longer service intervals will help to reduce maintenance costs by 25 per cent compared to the 1.9-litre.

From behind the wheel, the new engines impress. While the 105bhp unit develops a healthy 290Nm of torque at 1,500rpm, its more beefy 120bhp stablemate puts out 300Nm. Both offer plenty of low-down acceleration and seamless power delivery.

Predictably, the 120bhp version offers more thrust at high speeds, as well as plenty of overtaking ability, accelerating from 50mph to 75mph four seconds faster than the 1.9-litre car which it replaces.

What impresses most, though, is refinement. From start-up, both powerplants are hushed, and thanks to a standard six-speed manual gearbox with extra-long ratios, noise levels are cut by five per cent, resulting in relaxed high-speed cruising. What’s more, the steering is precise, if short on feel, and the ride is comfortable. The Bravo also handles well, if not up to the standard of Ford’s Focus.

As with the exterior, the cabin is full of stylish touches, and standard equipment is generous. While prices have yet to be confirmed, the 105bhp 1.6-litre is expected to cost £13,800, with the Eco Pack-equipped model priced at £14,100. The 120bhp version will weigh in at £14,800. Given the tax savings, the 105bhp Eco Pack variant offers the best deal for private and business drivers.

Overall, the 1.6-litre Multijet marks a significant advance by the Italian manufacturer in its ambitions to become recognised as the world’s most eco-friendly car company.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £2,598 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,463 off RRP*
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,510 off RRP*Used from £11,695
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,028 off RRP*Used from £16,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025
Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”
VW Golf GTI badge

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”

VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
News
13 May 2025
Audi e-tron GT gets huge £20k price cut as new entry-level quattro joins range
Audi e-tron GT quattro - front 3/4 dynamic

Audi e-tron GT gets huge £20k price cut as new entry-level quattro joins range

Most basic e-tron GT also comes with the longest range and nigh-on 500bhp
News
13 May 2025