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.
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Parked out in front of a Volkswagen dealer is a white Jetta with green leafy stickers on it. A line of text on each side informs us that it’s “Not A Concept Car.” On the rear bumper, it has the URL goodcleandieselfun.com, and a sticker on the trunklid says “take me for a test drive.” So I did.
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Responsive new engine provides good performance Ride comfort WORST Significant engine noise Centre rear lap belt only Non ABS braking system manual gearbox was the variant evaluated for this report and represents the entry level diesel Pajero. The standard equipment features of this vehicle are reasonably good and include air conditioning, power steering, electric mirrors and windows, radio/CD player, engine immobiliser, driver’s airbag, limited slip differential and cruise control (now standard on all Di-D models). Significantly, anti-lock brakes are not fitted to the GLX, while a passenger’s airbag is available as an option. A monocoque body shell has been used since the introduction of the NM Pajero, and aside from the new engine, the structure of the Pajero remains unaltered.
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The Peugeot 205 was introduced in the UK in September 1983 as a five-door Hatchback with a transversely-mounted engine and transmission assembly driving the front wheels. The suspension is of front coil springs and rear transverse torsion bars. Three engine sizes were originally available, featuring a chain driven overhead camshaft design mounted directly over the transmission. The GTi was introduced in the Spring of 1984 and was fitted with a belt-driven overhead camshaft engine with a side-mounted transmission. The GTI engine is equipped with an electronically controlled fuel injection system. In October 1984 three-door versions became available, with an X series designation, in addition to the three-door GTI. Van versions were introduced in June 1985, together with the limited edition Lacoste, based on the GT version. In September 1985 the XT was introduced, being a three-door version of the GT, and at the same time the 954 cc XL three-door was introduced, having a higher specification than the XE. The 1580 cc Automatic was introduced in April 1986 at the same time as the Cabriolet CTI. The XS replaced the XT in July 1986, at which time the limited edition Junior, based on the XE, became available. The 1.9 GTI was introduced in August 1986, and at the same time dim-dip headlights and rear seat belts were fitted as standard. In December 1987 the new TU engines and MA transmissions were fitted to all except fuel injection, diesel and automatic models. Latest models feature single- and multi-point fuel injection, with full emission control equipment and a sophisticated engine management system.
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