WE LIKE
1. The styling, inside and out
2. The zest of the 150bhp T-Jet petrol and 1.9 Multijet diesel
3. Value for money
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Awkward driving position for some, instruments hard to read
2. Engines can be noisy
3. Handling and ride sometimes lack finesse
Fiat has not had much success with cars in the Focus class over the past 30 years, and the car that this new Bravo replaces, the Stilo, did nothing for the company with its slow sales. Which were entirely deserved, this unimaginative, lack-lustre car proving no match for the Ford Focus and VW Golf even standing still, never mind going down the road. But a fast-rejuvenating Fiat instigated a crash-programme to replace the Stilo, and this far prettier Bravo - it is arguably the most handsome car in the category - is much more attractive offering. And that's despite the fact that it is based on the platform of the Stilo. Though many core parts are similar, it has had extensive improvements to body strength - it wins the full five NCAP crash protection stars - to its suspension, engine range and standard of finish.
Which is obvious immediately you climb inside, a combination of stylish textures, unusually attractive instruments (a shame they're so hard to read) and attractive trim making this interior vastly more appealing than Fiat cabins usually are. It's spacious too, but many may struggle to find a comfortable driving position despite the four-way adjustable wheel and height adjustable seat, while the low seating position in the rear relative to the floor will numb the lower halves of taller occupants. The boot, however, is well-shaped and sized, and there's reasonable space for oddments inside, including a tray that will take your mobile.
The most intriguing engine in the range is the T-Jet, a petrol engine that might only be a 1.4 litre but can be had with either 120bhp or 150bhp. And the 150 goes very well indeed, delivering performance almost worthy of a hot hatch, and for a very attractive price. It sounds a bit vocal when revved, but quietens at a cruise and gives this car more character than most in the class. The engine is smaller than usual as part of a trend towards so-called downsizing, the aim being to offer strong performance with superior economy and emissions. And it mostly works, the Fiat offering a fine blend of acceleration and fuel efficiency, but it's not that much better in terms of CO2 output.
The Bravo's suspension is sometimes challenged by the T-Jet's zest - wheelspin is a possibility in the wet, though limited by traction control - and it ploughs wide if you push it too enthusiastically, but mostly it hangs on very well and remains reassuringly composed over challenging bends. The Fiat hasn't got the finesse of a Focus, but it does a fair job. And it rides well too, despite the suspension's relative firmness.
The enthusiasm of the 150bhp T-Jet engine makes this the most characterful version of the Bravo, its zest making the engine's sometimes vocal efforts, and the suspension's occasional lack of finesses forgivable, especially as this car is good-looking both outside and in. These last two qualities it relies on a more heavily for the other engines in range - although the 2.0 Multijet 150 diesel offers a fine blend of performance and economy - along with value for money. It's not the best car in the class, but if you like its look and are attracted by its value, this Fiat makes quite a pleasing buy - and huge improvement over the Stilo. But you must try before you buy - if you can't get comfortable behind the wheel, forget it.
Average
User reviews (16)
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Paul06 August 2009
First - the compact class of cars is the VW Golf class not the Focus class, like you British folks like to say. Second - Focus is an American car, built in Germany. So it's not British even if you British folks like to think of it that way. And third - in general, FIAT are cars that don't try to be somebody else. The Golf tries to be seen as THE car. Focus tries to be a Golf. But the Bravo is happy to be a Bravo! Bravo is happy! It looks in the mirror and he wants to be what it sees in the mirror! I like that! That's a honest car!
Report as inappropriatePPL30 August 2009
I bought the 1.6 diesel 120cv Multijet Sport and, after 11000km, i'm as happy as i could be. It has amazing torque for a 1.6, and the 6 speed gearbox is light as a feather. Roomy and quality interior, very silent and easy to drive, long trips are an enormous pleasure. And, of course, it has the best looks in its class by far! Plus, it feels incredibly robust and durable, and maybe this is what surprises me most every time i drive it. For what it costs, i can't imagine another compact car that can put such a big smile on your face, and i've driven a few! But, has it any faults? Of course: poor rear visibility and few interior spaces to put glasses or wallet. But then, who cares? Anyone considering to buy a compact car should test drive the Bravo. It will probably be a big surprise. It still is for me, every day.
Report as inappropriateMiha03 January 2010
I bought it 2 years old with 25000km, all other cars in this segment were dull to me and almost everyone owns either a VW Golf, Audi A3 or Ford Focus, this care is different.I have a black 1.9MJTD with 17inch alloys 225/45/17 and it looks and drives super.At work we have a few VW Golf V 1.4TSI which is nice to drive also, but I still think that whenever I trasfer from Golf to Bravo that it is still more quiet while driving than VW.Also because of the winter conditions in my country I had to change tires for new winter tires Maloya Davos 195/65/15, and I got from 950km per full tank to even 1100km per full tank, while driving on the motorway around 130/140kmh with combined cycle.The car has a lot of boot space and after long trips a feel fresh and not tired.Overall I would recommend this car to anyone buying a car in this class.
Report as inappropriateVlad Morosanu08 February 2010
I enjoy the show a lot and think that Bravo is an excellent car, no doubt. But I've always seen it shattering the Stilo into pieces. I personally own a 1.8 16V Stilo, and also drove the new Bravo. Quite frankly, except for the few horses under the bonnet I saw the same decent car as the Stilo has proven to be after two years of ownership. I was wondering, was there a decent car review of the Stilo ever made? If so, does anyone know in what episode? I've had my share of racing among the Golf 1.9 TDI and the Focus 1.6, and the Fiat always won the show with the 133 php. Looking forward to your answering. Great day everyone!
Report as inappropriateAndy myers22 February 2010
Agree what you say.But its a cool car i love driving it 1.9 multijet
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omar abu haib19 May 2010
I'm Driving Grandepunto and thinking to get the new bravo 1.4 t-jet would it be a big move?
Report as inappropriateERHAN01 July 2010
BEST CAR İN CLASS
Report as inappropriatenhgordon30 August 2010
just puchased 165 sport solely on looks,spec and price.went and picked up car thinking:twot:.within 10 mins realised driving best car at cost/value ever.
Report as inappropriateDamien White19 October 2010
Bought a 1.6 eco diesel Bravo new 2 years ago as me and the wife were saving up for our wedding at the time and this was cheap to buy, cheap to insure and only £35 to tax for 12 months (that has now fallen to £0!!!) Test drove numerous cars including new shape Civic and also Focus but the Bravo impressed both of us the most. It was genuinely a nicer drive. Reviews always rave on about the Focus for drivability but after dring one it just felt like an old Escort or Fiesta just a bit bigger (I can say this as I've owned 11 Fords throughout the years). I was underwhelmed and disappointed by the Focus and would never by one. The Civic was better but still preferred the Bravo. Hands down an utterly superb car, I feel the reviewers need to drive the car again because they are understating a great car! When I want a quicker car I will happly upgrade to a bigger engined Bravo!
Report as inappropriateCandy Forrest25 September 2011
just bought a secondhand 2007 1.4 bravo and love it. Agree with rear visability problem but like any new interior shape - once your brain reprogrammes to the space around - not a problem. My first hiccup was the petrol filler cap. No prizes for the person who designed that one but again - got the knack now. The interior space is luxurious and I love the ability to heighten the seat although I have to agree with the awkwardness of the seating position particularly in relation to the accelerator pedal, however, I have now 99% cracked that one too - perhaps another smidgen forward will sort that out. I loved my previous Rover 25 and feel that the Bravo is a worthy replacement.
Report as inappropriateDavidY24 October 2011
Up until recently I have had the benefit of driving company cars and have driven Audi A3, Golf GT, Alfa 159, Saab Aero and last but not least a Merc C220 cdi sport. Whilst all of my previous cars were nice to drive the only car that offered any excitement was the Alfa. On the back of this when it came to purchasing a car I did not want to spend as much as my company cars had cost but wanted something that was a joy to drive. After my Alfa experience, amazing car to drive and no problems whatsoever, I had looked towards Italian cars. They must be the most underrated cars in Britain at the moment. After looking at several cars I selected the Bravo 2.0 165 Sport. I have found this car to be great to drive, lovely gearbox and awesome excelleration. If you find those germanic robots in their generic 320d driving right on your rear bumber in the outside lane of the motorway ,as this is for German cars only, this car has a handy feature that you can just apply a little pressure on the right foot and smile as you see the gap open up and wonder what he/she spent the extra £10K on! I do not regret purchasing this car on any level. It is slightly irritating when for some reason you have to defend your decision to purchase a Fiat because the average person does not know much about automotive engineering and only knows what the German marketing gurus have told them but you get used to that. I have driven the ford focus and astra (as hire cars) and have owned a golf and would select the Bravo every time over these vehicles. The irony of it all is that if everything on this car was exactly the same and produced in the same factory but the badge was a german marque instead of Italian there would be masses of these cars on the road due to its stunning looks and drivability. Ignorance is bliss.
Report as inappropriateMark Cranmer19 December 2011
I bought my secong hand Bravo about a month ago and I am still impressed every time I gent into the cockpit! It is luxurious, generously equipped and I love the "Blue and me" connectivity. This car is economical, quiet and a quality ride. Much improved on the Fiat Marea Weekender I had several years ago and far better that the Vectra which it replaced. The Vectra was a diesel-guzzling tank!
Report as inappropriateChris Bevan13 January 2012
Have just upgraded from a 1.4 petrol Grande Punto to a 1.6 diesel Bravo. I am delighted with the new car. It feels a much more substantial car than the Punto and is a delight to drive! The turbo gives you a nice boost in any gear and I have left a few Audis surprised! All in all a great car.
Report as inappropriateBen23 January 2012
I own a 165bhp 2.0 MultiJet Turbo Diesel in Maserati Blue. Dealers will do deals on these cars. I paid £13k BRAND NEW (cash deal). 0-60 is just 8.2 seconds, but it is the mid range performance that is really fun. Quicker than a lot of other everyday cars out there, and I often surprise other drivers. BMW and Golf drivers really don't like being burnt up by a Fiat!! Drive it carefully and it returns 56mpg, and even when pushing it I average 45mpg. For a car this fast it really is economical. Apparently it doesn't corner as well as some other cars. Maybe this is true when testing it to its limits on a track but in real life I have never found this to be the case, even when pushing it on the country roads. It has bluetooth (even reads out your texts), USB connection for Ipods etc, aircon, traction control, CD etc etc... all as standard. People who doubted my choice of car soon changed their tune when they saw the sparkling blue paint, let alone experienced the performance.
Report as inappropriatedj25 January 2012
Went looking for a good deal on a car today & saw a few. I bought a 57 plate 150t (25k). I did not know it was 150bhp until I saw the paperwork with the full model on it (for the size of engine I thought it went like poo off a shovel-left my old mondeo standing/looking silly). The car looks so understated & just pottering around it is doing over 45 mpg.
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