THE Bravo is one of the new breed of Fiats that is gaining a good reliability record in the trade.
And prices are more reasonable secondhand than others in the same bracket.
There’s a wide range of engines to choose from with three 1.4 petrols that have power outputs ranging from 90 to 140bhp, plus a 1.6 with 105bhp.
Diesels are a 1.6 with 105bhp, a 150bhp 1.9 and a 165bhp 2.0-litre and they are all very smooth and quiet.
The standard 1.4 is good, but the turbo 120 and 140bhp models really fly and are huge fun to drive.
Diesels likewise – even the smallest 1.6 – offer good performance with superb economy.
The 1.4 turbo MultiAir is a real firecracker, with performance more akin to a hot hatch than a family saloon.
But like all models, it also comes with stop/start to help excellent economy and low emissions.
Interior
High-sided hip-hugging seats are excellent but the sides are soft so they don’t make it difficult getting in and out.
Rear legroom is good and the boot is wide and deep, but there is a high lip. Lots of chrome touches inside make for an up-market feel and the quality of the materials is very good.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Bravo
Price: Pay about £5,000 for an ’08 08-reg Active, or £7,800 for a ’10 10-reg Dynamic
Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,368cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 111mph
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 44
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 146g/km
Main rival: Vauxhall Astra