Fiat Bravo: the lowdown
Fiat is going back to the future, by resurrecting the Bravo name on this sexy new family hatch. These are the first pictures of the all-new Bravo, which replaces the square and unloved Stilo with a far more enticing design. From the front, the Bravo resembles a pumped up Punto. The chrome-ringed grille struggles to contain a super-sized new Fiat badge, which is busting out of the frame. Designed in-house, the Bravo has a dynamic, slanted window line, while the rounded rump is reminiscent of a Seat. The new Bravo goes on UK sale next summer, priced from just north of £10,000.
Bravo powerplants
Fiat has confirmed five engine options. A new 1.4-litre petrol engine, breathed on by a turbocharger, will be available with 120bhp and 150bhp. Fiat claims superior fuel consumption and performance from the new fourpot. A naturally aspirated 1.4 petrol, with 90bhp, will also be offered. Diesel buyers can pick from the 1.9-litre common-rail unit, also with outputs of 120bhp or 150bhp.
Under the skin
Fiat developed the Bravo from design freeze to production job one in a speedy 18 months, by virtually engineering the Bravo on computer. This reduced the need for physical prototypes. This process was aided by the Bravo using an updated version of the Stilo’s platform. The wheelbase, track and height are carried over, although a longer rear overhang boosts length to 4340mm. The bigger boot swallows 400 litres of lugage behind the rear seats, best in class according to Fiat.