Fiat Bravo

The launch of the Fiat Bravo not only heralds a new model for the Turinese manufacturer, but a new brand logo as well. The new logo, derived from the famous shield that decorated the front of its cars from 1931 to 1968, makes its debút on the all-new BravThe Bravo’s uncluttered, smooth lines are a reminder that Fiat is looking is looking to create a “family feeling” that started with the Grande Punto, yet also strives to revolutionise the elements of style in Italian car-making. The front end, although aggressive, is modelled to meet pedestrian safety requirements. Rounder shapes, a wider bonnet and tapered bumper structure all make a welcome appearance as well. The sleek new five-door is 4 336 mm long, 1 792 mm wide and 1 498 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2 600 mm.

Another new addition to the Fiat family are the new turbocharged petrol engines (known as T-JET) which debút on the Bravo. The range will, as of the launch date, offer two engine variants, a T-JET 1,4-litre 16v turbocharged powerplant, and a Multijet 1,9-litre 16v turbodiesel. The T-JET delivers a 110 kW at 5 500 r/min and peak torque of 206 N.m comes in at 2 000 r/min. The Sport button (which comes with the optional SPORT package) boosts the torque to 230 N.m at 3 000 r/min. With maximum torque available, the T-JET sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in 8,2 seconds. The Multijet’s power peak of 110 kW is available at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque of 305 N.m is possible from 2 000 r/min. A lower spec 1,4-litre T-JET with 88 kW will be made available in early 2008.

Both the T-JET and Multijet come standard with a six-speed gearbox.

The front suspension setup in the Bravo has an independent layout, mainly consisting of twin-shell wishbones made of pressed sheet metal and not cast iron, therefore reducing weight significantly. The rear suspension comprises of a semi-independent setup, with interconnected wheels and torsion axle. The new hollow anti-roll bar has been made 40 percent stiffer, achieving a 40 percent anti-roll stabilising effect and thus improving steering precision and road holding characteristics. The rear axle’s lateral arms are pressed in two semi-shells while the hydraulic attachment bushings provide better comfort than the rubber-metal type.

The highly adaptable braking system with ventilated discs at front, solid discs at rear, servo assist and two cross-over independent circuits, which ensure stability even if brake force to a particular wheel may fail, stop the Bravo, displaying its callipers through a sporty set of alloy wheels (in 16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch guises).

The Bravo’s soundproofing and high torsional and flexural rigidity of the bodyshell make for a quiet and refined interior. Comforts come aplenty as well; air conditioning; electric windows, power steering, height adjustable steering column and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are among the features that adorn the interior. Another innovation is the Blue&Me™ system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft. The system is integrated into the car, replaces rigid hardware and is voice controlled as well. The six-speaker audio system allows hours and hours of digital music that can only come in MP3, WMA or WAV format stored on an iPod, cell phone, MP3 player or USB pen drive via the USB port in the center console.

Safety features include an array of passive safety devices, with two front airbags (the driver has a two-stage bag), two front side bags, two window bags and a knee airbag for the driver. Adding to these are three point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, five head-restraints and the FPS fire prevention system. Also a number of other components also play a part in passive safety, namely the seats and steering column, which have been designed bearing in mind their behaviour in a crash. The features you don’t see but would probably work the most are ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme, Anti Slip Regulation and the Hill-hold function.

Bravo prices including VAT:

1.4 T-Jet 5dr Active R177 000 (Available early 2008)

1.4 T-Jet 5dr Dynamic R187 000

1.4 T-Jet 5dr Sport R197 000

1.9 Multijet 5dr Dynamic R207 000