FIAT Bravo 1.4 Turbo Sport
 
Background...
 
Fiat, originally a family-owned company, can trace its beginnings back to the close of the 19th century. Formed in 1899 as Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, the company expanded rapidly, even setting up a factory in 1908 in the U.S.A. The company diversified into trucks, marine engines and commercial vehicles. By the late 1930s Fiat started focusing on mass production with the introduction of the Mirafiori plant. Fiat adopted robot construction techniques in the late 1970s, before many other manufacturers, and today continues to be a particularly innovative manufacturer with its ownership of the Italian automotive brands Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.

Although not currently a large-selling brand in New Zealand, in the past a number of models including the Bambina, 127 and 128 were assembled under licence in this country.
 
Fiat has always been known, at least in overseas markets, for its smaller cars. Seen as willing little cars that went well and provided reasonable practicality in a tiny package, the company’s larger sedans have never fared quite so well in the popularity stakes. This has proved a 'double edged sword' for Fiat – how to produce sales winners in its midsize products.

FIAT Bravo
 
The Bravo replaces the Stilo, a small/midsized sedan that never captured the sales numbers Fiat had hoped for. This is a highly competitive part of the market with the likes of the VW Golf, Ford Focus and a plethora of Japanese competitors battling it out. To be successful it has to be able to do everything well and stand out in a crowded marketplace. So how does the Bravo fare? 
 
First Impressions...
 
The Italians are well known for their style and design flair. The Bravo, designed with help from Giorgetto Guigiarro of Italdesign, fulfils the promise and stands out from the rather staid-looking German and Japanese rivals. It stands on lovely 17" alloy wheels which add to its sporting appearance.
Inside, the interior materials don't quite have the quality aura that the VW Golf manages but the individual style of the dash and instruments appeals. I found the pedal position took a bit of getting used to, as did the 'feather light' accelerator. Given the coupe-like body styling, Fiat has done well to provide good interior room for both front and rear occupants. To top off the package the Bravo is loaded with 'kit', including a Bluetooth fitment complete with steering wheel mounted controls.
 
On the move...
 
The 'feather light' accelerator pedal has the revvie engine heading for the redline very easily – reminiscent of Fiats of old.
There are two Bravo models on the market in N.Z. currently – the 1.4 Turbo Sport and the 1.9JTD (diesel). My drive was behind the 1.4 turbo and what a beaut little motor it is. Forget about the all or nothing power band in turbos of the past, this engine provides a broad spread of power from about 2500rpm upwards. There's nice feel and progressiveness on the brakes too. The handling steering combination is just fine with the steering providing enough feedback to let you know what's happening at the helm. All this is backed up by good grip and the electronic minders ESP and EBD*. The 6-speed manual gearbox and low levels of interior noise provide relaxed open road and motorway cruising.

The Bravo reminds me of the Suzuki Swift Sport we tested some months ago, albeit a more grown up, refined version.
 
Specifications... (1.4 Turbo Sport)
 
Technical
1368cc turbocharged petrol motor 110kw (150hp)
6-speed manual transmission
5 door
ABS with EBD* - electronic brakeforce distribution, and emergency braking assist. ESP* - electronic stability control.
 
Safety
6 airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, Euro NCAP 5 stars.
 
Equipment includes:
Dual zone aircon, electric windows, heated door mirrors, cruise control, steering wheel mounted CD/radio controls, split rear seat, follow-me-home headlights, and Bluetooth and USB connection.