THREE additions to the Fiat Bravo range this week mean it's the 'greenest' manufacturer in Europe.
The latest engines and other technology being introduced by Fiat put its cars in the lowest pollution bands and with impending changes to the car rates in the UK will make them particularly attractive to cost-pressing drivers.
The Bravo range in Britain now extends to 17 models priced between £10,995 and £16,355 with five trim levels, helped by the latest five-door with diesel 120bhp and 105bhp 1.6 units as well as an Eco pack on the less powerful derivative which adds taller ratios and low resistance tyres to slip it under 120g/km.
The new engines are turbo-charged to give exceptional performance for their size and come with manual six-speed boxes to improve economy and lower noise at the same time.
The tuning of these engines also ensures they can produce greater mid-range pulling power which does away with the necessity for frequent fuel-sapping gear changes and the combination of all these individual elements is an improvement of 8% in fuel efficiency as well as lower pollution and hence lower tax rates.
The range comprises five trim levels, Bravo, Active, Active Sport, Dynamic and Sport and the new engines bring the power units available to six after the Bravo was launched last year with 150bhp 1.9-litre Multijet diest and petrol 1.4T-Jet units developing 90, 120 and 150bhp.
With the Eco, average diesel fuel consumption is close to 63mpg compared to almost 58mpg in the 'normal' 105bhp version and the 120bhp derivative. Top speed and 0-62mph for either 105bhp is 116mph and 11.3 seconds, while the 120bhp exceeds 120mph and is almost a second quicker from standstill. The figures bear out Fiat's assertion that the Eco changes really make a difference to the fuel consumption without hindering performance.
Prices of the 105bhp 1.6 MJ begin with the Active at £13,855, the Active Eco is £14,150 and the 120bhp 1.6 MJ Dynamic is £15,605. Order a Dynamic Eco and you pay a further £1,000 over the price of the Active Eco.
Most versions have anti-locking brakes, air conditioning, remote locking, six airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, CD player, two stage selectable electric steering, front foglights and headlamp delay. Active Sport includes figure hugging seats, leather trim details, alloys and spoilers; Dynamic models gain powered rear windows, advanced sound and telephony systems, dual zone A/C and cruise control while Sport top the range with firmer suspension, electronic brake assistance, sports instruments and red callipers.
You seem to gain a lot without sacrificing much in the Bravo Eco.
Once underway, the pick-up is strong and unhesitating, the mid-range gearchanges are easily made and ratios well matched to the engine and on main roads it cruises effortless and seemingly very economically.
Ride quality is good and while it does not seem to roll around corners it does exhibit a tendency to want to run wide. As a result it can feel skittish on damper surfaces but it quickly regains composure when you ease off the throttle.
The Dynamic trimmed model is expected to be one of the best sellers in the series and it's a very good package. You can appreciate the lighter 'City; setting on the steering below 19mph while the seats are large and comfortable. Rear seat room is good and the boot has a low floor and high rear sill.
In every-day driving the Bravo Eco is well up to the task of keeping up with the traffic flow, but its lower emissions and greater economy mean it will be streets ahead in terms of running costs.