Fiat’s confusing, like-sounding model names, the Brava is the five-door,family-sized hatch back,while Bravo is a 15cm shorter but more sportily slanted three-door variation on the same theme. This “horses-for-courses” approach makes sound sense: the Brava offers more space, five-door practicality and a rounded-off ride for those with a family to consider, while the Bravo’s distinctive-but-different styling and subtly revised suspension and specification cater for less-encumbered buyers seeking a more sporting attraction. Which ever tickles your fancy, though, Fiat has recently given the pair a mild makeover. Staying faithful to the original styling concept, the refettled Fiats are not much different to look at, but every version now offers significant improvements and costs less, or at least no more, than its previous equivalent.

Equipment levels are improved across the board, with the former S version dropped, so that SX now takes on the entry-level mantle. There are two new engines under the bonnet, or rather they’re new to the Bravo/Brava pairing, while existing engines have been refettled to improve emissions and economy. Even the entry-level SX comes with an electric sunroof; there are front passenger and now side airbag options to go with the driver’s standard-fit one, while top models now boast an automatic climate control system as standard. Up front, only the five-door Brava receives Fiat’s new 1.9 JTD common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel, though 75 and 100bhp versions of Fiat’s indirectly injected oil-burner live on in both body styles. However, our three-door test subject is powered by an 82bhp 1.2-litre 16-valve engine – Fiat’s feisty little “FIRE”.

Download pdf Fiat Bravo Car Test Report PDF