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

Other Fiat reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

Both models have a wide choice of engines, ranging from economical 1.2 82 bhp units – to a Golf GTi-rivalling five-cylinder 20-valve 2.0 litre. The smaller Bravo has the edge over the heavier Brava, but both are engaging to drive with torquey engines that pull through all gears.1.4 and 1.2 16v engines make willing runabouts; the more powerful 1.6 and 1.8 will satisfy keener drivers. Turbo-diesel 1.9 TD75 and 1.9 TD100 units offer similar economy (44.8 and 44.1 mpg) but the latter gives the best performance. Refined common-rail JTD units were introduced in 1999; they're nicer to drive, with slightly more power and far better fuel economy – 8 mpg more on the old Combined test. Brava 1.6 SX was launched in June 1996; four-speed automatic gearbox was only available on 1.6 SX from October 96.

2.5 out of 5

Handling

All are front-drive with disc/drum brakes and independent suspension. Italian panache: perky engines, smooth gears, agile handling, responsive brakes; solid enough to feel secure and stable, yet lightweight enough to be fun; Bravo is sharper than Brava.