Ian Lamming Reviews The All-New Fiat Bravo
Publish Date: 10.11.2007
Vehicle Reviewed: Fiat Bravo 1.9 MultiJet 150 Dynamic
Model Year: 2007
On the Road Price: £15,195
EU Combined MPG: 50.4 mpg
Emissions: 149 g/km
VED Band: tba
Insurance Group: 10
Warranty: 2 year unlimited mileage warranty, 1 year dealer warranty
Kerb Weight: 1360 kg
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Acceleration (0-60mph): 9.0 secs
Max Power: 150 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Max Torque: 305 Nm @ 2000 rpm
(Images are for illustration purposes and may differ from actual vehicles)
"There can be few nations more chic than Italians – it’s genetic, I’m sure.
Aesthetics are part of their lifeblood and whether it’s sofas, clothing or cars, you can guarantee they will ooze charm, personality and style. It’s as natural as moaning about the weather is British and is probably something to do with lying in the sun too long.
Italians carry themselves in a certain manner whether they are old or young, male or female. They have confidence, poise and class in a way other nationalities don’t. Think Italian and you can’t fail to think exclusive, aspirational, expensive; just look at Gucci, Riva, Ferrari. Thing is if you are an Italian designer style is your raison d’etre – or at least the Italian equivalent to avoid mixing my languages.
And in automotive terms it doesn’t really matter if the car costs £15,000 or £150,000 it still has to look as good as it possibly can. Take Fiat’s latest offering – the new Bravo – a car which looks every bit the expensive coupe. It inhabits one of the dullest sectors there is – medium sized hatchback – where function normally bullies form out of the playground.
But in Italy this could never be allowed to happen and one glance at the Bravo prompts the applause which tells you it hasn’t. Drivers of the new Bravo will feel good at all times, special and most importantly stylish. Its lines are sleek, aggressive and sporty; its track wide. It leans forward in a menacing fashion, like a sprinter ready to fly out of the blocks.
It curves beautifully back from a nose that could have come off a supercar. Its lines gel perfectly with its overall proportions and it is smooth and sensuous from any angle. And it does this without compromise. Open the door and the Bravo is spacious and practical in a most unexpected fashion. While the lines disguise the size of the car the interior proportions remain generous and accommodating.
Fiat has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure Bravo cossets. The seats for instance are the result of medical sports research making certain they grip and support in all the right places. Ergonomics, once the scourge of Italian car-kind, are now spot on and the cockpit is aligned perfectly with the driver’s every need, while the driving position itself is near perfect. Graphics and materials are a pleasure on the eye and to touch and the Bravo radiates a quality that belies its modest pricetag.
There’s the choice of five engines; a normally aspirated 1.4 litre that produces a healthy 90bhp; two turbo charged 1.4 litre petrols offering 120bhp and 150bhp; and two 1.9 litre turbo diesels with the same respective power outputs. All offer great performance, economy and emissions.
Handling has always been another Fiat forte and the Bravo is no exception. Ride is comfortable and controlled and steering responses are agile thanks to dualdrive electric power steering. It loves the straight and narrow but relishes bends too and there is bags of grip from the relatively fat low profile tyres.
The first Bravo revolutionised what can be a bit of a dull class of car and the latest incarnation is destined to do the same with its blend of style, dynamics and value for money. Bravo indeed."
Source Name: Ian Lamming
Source Link: http://www.frenchandlammingmedia.com
Source Category: First Road Test