Compact Fiats have always offered great value for money in a very likable package, much like the compact cars of the 90s – the Tipo, Tempra, Croma, and Bravo/Brava, which also applied to the modern Fiat Bravo – the 198 model.
The compact five-door hatchback was introduced two years after the large Grande Punto in 2007 and utilized the construction base of the Fiat Stilo, specifically the Fiat Type 2 platform. With a wheelbase of 2600 millimeters and a length of 4.33 meters, it competed with rivals such as the VW Golf and Ford Focus. The luggage compartment had a nice 400-liter capacity, and like the first-generation Fiat Punto, it was able to carry its winter tires in the trunk if they were classic 16-inch 205/55 R16 placed next to each other.
During the era of downsizing, the Bravo was offered with not only the basic atmospheric 1.4 16V Fire with 66 kW and a 6-speed manual, but also with a turbocharged 1.4 four-cylinder engine. The performance versions had 88 and 110 kW, also with a 6-speed manual. Although at the time, turbocharged engines had their detractors, just like electric vehicles and hybrids do today, we now know that they were the most reliable turbocharged gasoline engines on the market. The modern MultiAir engine with 103 kW and electro-hydraulic controlled intake valves was later added to the gasoline engine lineup.
Diesel engines were also available – initially the 1.9 Multijet with power outputs of 88 and 110 kW, later replaced by the excellent 1.6 Multijet engine in versions with 66, 77, and 88 kW. For the Sport version and the highest equipment levels, the two-liter MultiJet with a power output of up to 121 kW was reserved.
Both manual and automatic transmissions were available, as well as the robotized manual Dualogic.
The Bravo was sold in Australia under the name Ritmo because Mazda held the copyright to the name Bravo in that region.
This great compact was produced from 2007 to 2015, when it was replaced by the global Egea project (Tipo). Over time, it could be criticized for having only one body style, a too-long front overhang, or less space in the rear seats in favor of the trunk. Among its advantages, however, were its accessible service, very reliable power units, and relatively good corrosion resistance. The Bravo was among the first Fiats to provide high passenger protection in the event of a crash.
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