WHETHER the Eco is short for economical or ecological - or even a bit of both - the midst of a recession is probably a good time to be selling a car that offers cheaper running costs and low emissions.
These days the economical and ecological are inextricably linked - the Bravo Eco's paltry emissions of 119g/km mean you pay only £35 in road tax, as well as getting more than 60 miles to the gallon. Added to this your company car tax bills will benefit from a hefty cut and Fiat say longer service intervals mean it costs less to maintain.
This latest entrant to the clean and green contest that's hotting up among hatchbacks and the Bravo is one of the new generation of super frugal diesels that really do make a lot of sense for a whole lot of reasons.
The Eco is one of the variants of the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel more recently introduced in the Bravo range.
This smaller diesel powerplant is available with either 105bhp or 120bhp with the Eco pack available on the lower powered version for an additional £300.
Revised engine ECU settings combined with enhanced aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and taller gear ratios combine in the Eco to reduce fuel consumption by five miles per gallon and cut emissions from 129g/km to 119g/km.
In recent years Fiat has gone back to doing what it does best - producing stylish and sporty small cars - and though the Bravo might not have made as big a splash in the UK as the bigwigs in Turin might have hoped the Eco is the sort of car that might make a lot of people consider plumping for a Fiat.
If it was a beauty contest the Bravo would win hands down against most of its competitors. When it comes to style there's no beating the Italians and though Fiat have unveiled a few turkeys over the years a great deal of time and effort seems to have gone into creating something that is easy on the eye with the current Bravo.
It mightn't be quite as avant garde as a Honda Civic but it's a fabulous looking car - all the way from its Maserati inspired front end to its curvaceous funky tail lights.
The Bravo has a solid, stiff and sturdy feel, too and seems to have been well put together. The styling means there might not be as much space in the rear seats or the boot as some of its competitors but I guess there is always a price to be paid when style is placed before practicality which is clearly the case here.
Anyone thinking the Eco label might signify economy of performance too is in for a surprise. The newer, smaller Multijet is an able performer and impressively refined too. Power is delivered smoothly and seamlessly.
Out on the road the Bravo offers a pleasant drive, combining a comfortable ride and decent handling. It doesn't quite match the driving dynamics of a Focus or a Golf but given how good some of its competitors are that shouldn't be seen as a major failing.
If you want something that can boast green credentials, is cheap to run but doesn't compromise on style or equipment then the Bravo could be just the thing you're looking for.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Bravo 1.6 MultiJet 105 Dynamic Eco 5dr
Price: £15,450
Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 62.8
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage