Fiat Brava (95-02) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Good looking, talented family hatchbacks that are functional but fun. Three­door Bravo has a sporty character and holds its value better on the used market. Brava is the practical choice for families, with five­door access and more room in the back. Both are modern and fairly reliable, but prices are surprisingly affordable. The range was improved and re-badged in early 1999, knocking the used value of earlier cars hard.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£9,940 - £15,071

Used price range:

£146 - £689

View all used prices

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Styling flair; lively engines; agile handling

Mediocre low-speed ride

Good looking, talented family hatchbacks that are functional but fun. Three­door Bravo has a sporty character and holds its value better on the used market. Brava is the practical choice for families, with five­door access and more room in the back. Both are modern and fairly reliable, but prices are surprisingly affordable. The range was improved and re-badged in early 1999, knocking the used value of earlier cars hard.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "Both models have a wide choice of engines, ranging from economical 1.2 82 bhp units – to a Golf..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "All are front-drive with disc/drum brakes and independent suspension. Italian panache: perky..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "Plenty of space for five in Brava, less in rear seats in Bravo; ride is patchy at low speeds but..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "A decent-sized boot that's easy to access and plenty of cubby holes inside."

  • Equipment

    2.5 out of 5

    "Standard equipment includes 2-speaker radio/cassette and height adjustable steering and driver’s..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "Drivers should find the ergonomically correct, University of Loughborough designed seat and driving..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "Good fuel economy (especially from diesel models); sensible servicing costs; insurance ratings start..."

  • Green credentials

    0 out of 5

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    1.5 out of 5

    "Under its attractive skin, Brava behaves like a car that was designed in the early 1990s. Euro NCAP..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "Major mechanical failure is unlikely but niggling faults are common – especially electrics;..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    0 out of 5

  • Buying used

    4.5 out of 5

    "Despite a high-profile TV and press campaign, the attractive Bravo/Brava never conquered its split..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "Buyers tend to prefer the Bravo JTD 100 HLX, it's a modern diesel offering a good drive and great..."

Gallery

  • Interior Fiat Brava (95-02)
  • Exterior Fiat Brava (95-02)
  • Exterior Fiat Brava (95-02)
  • Exterior Fiat Brava (95-02)

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Owners' reviews