FIAT Bravo (2007 - )  

Roomy cabin and big boot, neat design, five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, excellent 1.4 T-Jet petrol, strong MultiJet diesels, affordable prices.

Driving position could be better, artificial steering feel.

Introduction

The FIAT Bravo has the kind of stunning styling that Italians somehow seen to do almost effortlessly. In the right colour its probably the best looking mid-size hatchback you can buy.

Yet my first impressions of it werent too good. After a truly spectacular launch in Rome we got to drive a diesel on 18 wheels with 40 profile tyres to Ostia and back. A distance of about 30 miles.

All I learned from this was light, feel-free and unresponsive steering, whatever setting, and terrible ride quality.

It wasnt until FIAT delivered a 1.4 T-Jet 150 to me that I got to drive it properly.

A year since the launch I still admire the styling. Like a bigger Grande Punto with an unmistakably FIAT look that doesnt come from its grille shape but from the heart of Italian design. If it was longer and lower it could be a Maserati.

 

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Last updated 9 March 2012
More at the FIAT website  

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