Fiat Bravo

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Review

Fiat has not had much success with cars in the Focus class over the past 30 years, and the car that this new Bravo replaces, the Stilo, almost bankrupted the company with its slow sales. Which were entirely deserved, this unimaginative, lack-lustre car proving no match for the Ford Focus and VW Golf even standing still, never mind going down the road. But a fast-rejuvenating Fiat instigated a crash-programme to replace the Stilo, and this far prettier Bravo - it is arguably the most handsome car in the category - is much more attractive offering. And that's despite the fact that it is based on the platform of the Stilo. Though many core parts are similar, it has had extensive improvements to body strength - it wins the full five NCAP crash protection stars - to its suspension, engine range and standard of finish.

Which is obvious immediately you climb inside, a combination of stylish textures, unusually attractive instruments (a shame they're so hard to read) and attractive trim making this interior vastly more appealing than Fiat cabins usually are. It's spacious too, but many may struggle to find a comfortable driving position despite the four-way adjustable wheel and height adjustable seat, while the low seating position in the rear relative to the floor will numb the lower halves of taller occupants. The boot, however, is well-shaped and sized, and there's reasonable space for oddments inside, including a tray that will take your mobile.

The most intriguing engine in the range is the T-Jet, a petrol engine that might only be a 1.4 litre but can be had with either 120bhp or 150bhp. And the 150 goes very well indeed, delivering performance almost worthy of a hot hatch, and for a very attractive price. It sounds a bit vocal when revved, but quietens at a cruise and gives this car more character than most in the class. The engine is smaller than usual as part of a trend towards so-called downsizing, the aim being to offer strong performance with superior economy and emissions. And it mostly works, the Fiat offering a fine blend of acceleration and fuel efficiency, but it's not that much better in terms of CO2 output. Like all the engines bar the basic 1.9 turbodiesel this drives a six-speed gearbox which needs a little care if you're to get the right gear, but the clutch is smooth enough.

The Bravo's suspension is sometimes challenged by the T-Jet's zest - wheelspin is a possibility in the wet, though limited by traction control - and it ploughs wide if you push it too enthusiastically, but mostly it hangs on very well and remains reassuringly composed over challenging bends. The Fiat hasn't quite got the finesse of a Focus, but it does a fair job. And it rides well too, despite the suspension's relative firmness.

The enthusiasm of the 150bhp T-Jet engine makes this the most characterful version of the Bravo, its zest making the engine's sometimes vocal efforts, and the suspension's occasional lack of finesses forgivable, especially as this car is good-looking both outside and in. These last two qualities it relies on a more heavily for the other engines in range - although the 1.9 Multijet 150 diesel offers a fine blend of sometimes noisy performance and economy - along with its value for money. It's not the best car in the class, but if you like its look and are attracted by its value, this Fiat makes quite a pleasing buy - and huge improvement over the Stilo. But you must try before you buy - if you can't get comfortable behind the wheel, forget it.

Breakdown

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