Power of suggestion
Fiat Bravo 1.4 MPI
It's beautiful, but not overtly flashy, powerful but modestly priced. The question is: are you brave enough to leave the ordinary realm of choices and think for yourself?
It's very easy to cling to old stereotypes and expectations, often overlooking things that really make sense, and the Fiat Bravo is one of these. Not an ounce of complacency begets Fiat's new five-door hatchback. The company knew clearly what their brief was and they set about making it anything but ordinary.
Being in the firing line of much loved models in that segment meant that Fiat really had to work on their unique selling points. It isn't so much that they want to revisit their Nineties boom and produce cars on a mass scale; the objective now is to manufacture desirable, well-built models to sway the floating voters.
So, how far has it come to persuading us that Fiat is a reliable brand? Well since the Fiat Panda was awarded European Car of the year in 2004, we've had the Punto in 2005, which has certainly helped Fiat establish itself as a sexy Italian brand.
In terms of its reliability, customer surveys suggested a few minor niggles surrounding the Punto supermini. However, Fiat has taken the feedback well and, as a result, has stepped up its aftersales support.
Now they are in phase three with the new Bravo and things are certainly more promising. The panels have a near seamless look, the interior is dressed in high quality materials and the need for servicing is spaced out over every 25,000 km of driving (as long as you look after it, that is). Garage visits are promised to be less expensive than they were with their previous models, like the Stilo.
It is also hoped that Frank Stephenson, who oversaw the design of the new Bravo and whose portfolio of clients includes Ferrari, Maserati and BMW, will have injected some passion in the new Bravo's image. Indeed, Fiat's new offering is a neat little number with plenty of enhancing features, like the sharp angled headlights, big stylish wheels, chrome detailing and the coupé-like lines at the rear end.
The interior is equally suggestive, with its sporty stitching, carbon-fibre look dash and well cushioned seats. I can say it is definitely different from its predecessors. Inside, the new Bravo looks modern, young and original, with nice colours and great materials, very roomy and functional. But what really hits is quality: this model can now challenge all German competitors without fear, thanks to the outstanding quality of its materials.
Good plastics for the bridge, good mechanical devices, great compact seats, both leather and material. In terms of room, as already suggested, the Bravo is as good as the already much appreciated Stilo. Five passengers can sit comfortably, while the vehicle's sports shape does not interfere with getting inside the cabin.
The Bravo's suggestion is backed up by its two flagship models: one petrol, one diesel, both producing 150 bhp. Compare it pound for pound, horse for horse with rivals and you'll find its power stats are quite favourable, considering its low price range. I drove the 1.4-litre petrol with 90 bhp and was impressed to find that the entry level vehicle can really do a grand job of allowing it to respond, like a true sports car, while also keeping fuel consumption relatively low.
We have been waiting for it for a long time, and now we can eventually touch and drive this desirable new Fiat. What interests us more is the dynamic behaviour of the new Bravo, which is definitely as good as it was supposed to be.
Of course, when you are used to longing for a thing, it is easy to be let down; that's ordinary life. But this is not the case of the new Bravo. The steering wheel is precise and reliable, and car dynamics show outstanding steadiness and give pretty good driving pleasure. Therefore, my judgement is definitely positive; I can say Fiat technicians really did a great job, even in quite a short time.
The braking system and electronic devices are both good, as much as the feeling I got with car, which make me feel comfortable, sure and safe. I really liked this new Fiat. The driving experience is pleasurable and fun if you toy around with it. The Bravo offers plenty of grip, adequate pace and predictable steering; around the city, manoeuvring can be made even easier due to not having to put any muscle in to steering inputs, and parking is light work too.
Due to its five-star EuroNcap rating and the way it maximises space, it deserves to be on the short-list for families. The rear seats also fold completely flat and, because of their low level, they make packing away shopping or sports equipment a straightforward task.
Front and rear armrests will also come in handy on longer journeys as well as cup holders and the option of a ceiling-mounted DVD player. There's plenty on the options list to allow you to customise your Bravo in terms of style and lifestyle pursuits, although all the main creature comforts are there as standard.
The Bravo's suspension is sometimes challenged by the engine'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's finesse, so typical of the Italians, is great. And it rides well too, despite the suspension's relative firmness.
I know what you're thinking: it all sounds rather tempting but you're still a bit timid to invest in it because you're not sure of its longer term loyalty? Well, for the most part, any underlying issues were well and truly ironed out at the design stage due to a lot of scrupulous testing being computerised.
This saved the manufacturer money in development costs, which is perhaps why it can afford to pass this saving on to us and come out with a very competitive price. From design freeze to arriving at the showrooms has taken just 18 months thanks to this computerised technology. This is rather swift by industry standards and worth blowing their trumpets about.
Packed with various hi-tech electronics and having the investment of partners such as Microsoft, which has helped develop the Bravo's Blue&Me communications system, has further helped its cause. The Blue&Me system, incidentally, is a trademark of Fiat; it allows you to chat and receive texts while safely on the move.
As well as being activated by steering wheel-mounted controls, it will also respond to voice commands. You've got everything from Bluetooth and Sat Nav to MP3, WAV or WMA compatibility. Of course, this is only one of many optional features Fiat are offering the driver to have a more pleasant and enjoyable drive, but then it would take the Italians to provide style and class.
At a glance
Engine, in-line four cylinders, petrol; double overhead camshaft with hydraulic tappets; timed, sequential electronic multi-point injection.
Fuel, Super-plus unleaded. Displacement, 1,368 cc, four valves per cylinder.
Max. bhp, 90 at 5,500 rpm. Max. torque (pulling power), 128 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Unladen weight, 1,205 kg. Top speed, 180 km/h. 0-100 km/h, 12.5 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption, 6.69 litres/100 km. CO2, 158 g/km.
Dimensions, length 4,336 mm, width 1,792 mm, height 1,498 mm, wheelbase 2,600 mm.
It's very easy to cling to old stereotypes and expectations, often overlooking things that really make sense, and the Fiat Bravo is one of these. Not an ounce of complacency begets Fiat's new five-door hatchback. The company knew clearly what their brief was and they set about making it anything but ordinary.
Being in the firing line of much loved models in that segment meant that Fiat really had to work on their unique selling points. It isn't so much that they want to revisit their Nineties boom and produce cars on a mass scale; the objective now is to manufacture desirable, well-built models to sway the floating voters.
So, how far has it come to persuading us that Fiat is a reliable brand? Well since the Fiat Panda was awarded European Car of the year in 2004, we've had the Punto in 2005, which has certainly helped Fiat establish itself as a sexy Italian brand.
In terms of its reliability, customer surveys suggested a few minor niggles surrounding the Punto supermini. However, Fiat has taken the feedback well and, as a result, has stepped up its aftersales support.
Now they are in phase three with the new Bravo and things are certainly more promising. The panels have a near seamless look, the interior is dressed in high quality materials and the need for servicing is spaced out over every 25,000 km of driving (as long as you look after it, that is). Garage visits are promised to be less expensive than they were with their previous models, like the Stilo.
It is also hoped that Frank Stephenson, who oversaw the design of the new Bravo and whose portfolio of clients includes Ferrari, Maserati and BMW, will have injected some passion in the new Bravo's image. Indeed, Fiat's new offering is a neat little number with plenty of enhancing features, like the sharp angled headlights, big stylish wheels, chrome detailing and the coupé-like lines at the rear end.
The interior is equally suggestive, with its sporty stitching, carbon-fibre look dash and well cushioned seats. I can say it is definitely different from its predecessors. Inside, the new Bravo looks modern, young and original, with nice colours and great materials, very roomy and functional. But what really hits is quality: this model can now challenge all German competitors without fear, thanks to the outstanding quality of its materials.
Good plastics for the bridge, good mechanical devices, great compact seats, both leather and material. In terms of room, as already suggested, the Bravo is as good as the already much appreciated Stilo. Five passengers can sit comfortably, while the vehicle's sports shape does not interfere with getting inside the cabin.
The Bravo's suggestion is backed up by its two flagship models: one petrol, one diesel, both producing 150 bhp. Compare it pound for pound, horse for horse with rivals and you'll find its power stats are quite favourable, considering its low price range. I drove the 1.4-litre petrol with 90 bhp and was impressed to find that the entry level vehicle can really do a grand job of allowing it to respond, like a true sports car, while also keeping fuel consumption relatively low.
We have been waiting for it for a long time, and now we can eventually touch and drive this desirable new Fiat. What interests us more is the dynamic behaviour of the new Bravo, which is definitely as good as it was supposed to be.
Of course, when you are used to longing for a thing, it is easy to be let down; that's ordinary life. But this is not the case of the new Bravo. The steering wheel is precise and reliable, and car dynamics show outstanding steadiness and give pretty good driving pleasure. Therefore, my judgement is definitely positive; I can say Fiat technicians really did a great job, even in quite a short time.
The braking system and electronic devices are both good, as much as the feeling I got with car, which make me feel comfortable, sure and safe. I really liked this new Fiat. The driving experience is pleasurable and fun if you toy around with it. The Bravo offers plenty of grip, adequate pace and predictable steering; around the city, manoeuvring can be made even easier due to not having to put any muscle in to steering inputs, and parking is light work too.
Due to its five-star EuroNcap rating and the way it maximises space, it deserves to be on the short-list for families. The rear seats also fold completely flat and, because of their low level, they make packing away shopping or sports equipment a straightforward task.
Front and rear armrests will also come in handy on longer journeys as well as cup holders and the option of a ceiling-mounted DVD player. There's plenty on the options list to allow you to customise your Bravo in terms of style and lifestyle pursuits, although all the main creature comforts are there as standard.
The Bravo's suspension is sometimes challenged by the engine'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's finesse, so typical of the Italians, is great. And it rides well too, despite the suspension's relative firmness.
I know what you're thinking: it all sounds rather tempting but you're still a bit timid to invest in it because you're not sure of its longer term loyalty? Well, for the most part, any underlying issues were well and truly ironed out at the design stage due to a lot of scrupulous testing being computerised.
This saved the manufacturer money in development costs, which is perhaps why it can afford to pass this saving on to us and come out with a very competitive price. From design freeze to arriving at the showrooms has taken just 18 months thanks to this computerised technology. This is rather swift by industry standards and worth blowing their trumpets about.
Packed with various hi-tech electronics and having the investment of partners such as Microsoft, which has helped develop the Bravo's Blue&Me communications system, has further helped its cause. The Blue&Me system, incidentally, is a trademark of Fiat; it allows you to chat and receive texts while safely on the move.
As well as being activated by steering wheel-mounted controls, it will also respond to voice commands. You've got everything from Bluetooth and Sat Nav to MP3, WAV or WMA compatibility. Of course, this is only one of many optional features Fiat are offering the driver to have a more pleasant and enjoyable drive, but then it would take the Italians to provide style and class.
At a glance
Engine, in-line four cylinders, petrol; double overhead camshaft with hydraulic tappets; timed, sequential electronic multi-point injection.
Fuel, Super-plus unleaded. Displacement, 1,368 cc, four valves per cylinder.
Max. bhp, 90 at 5,500 rpm. Max. torque (pulling power), 128 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Unladen weight, 1,205 kg. Top speed, 180 km/h. 0-100 km/h, 12.5 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption, 6.69 litres/100 km. CO2, 158 g/km.
Dimensions, length 4,336 mm, width 1,792 mm, height 1,498 mm, wheelbase 2,600 mm.