Fiat Brava / Bravo / Marea

Today's Fiat is no longer a conservative and slow-response giant. It has learned the importance of styling, packaging, character and image, therefore its recent products like Brava, Bravo, Barchetta and Coupe usually become the stars in magazines. 

The twins Brava and Bravo are actually the same model (Marea is the 3-box saloon or Estate version), the former is 5 dr version and the latter is 3 dr. But designers created two different appearance - Brava is more conventional while Bravo is sportier, but both are fashionable and niche.  

They were voted as European Car of the Year 1996, following Punto in 1995, which is the first back to back victory for a manufacturer. People like they styling, remarkable accommodation (though not as impressive as its predecessor, Tipo) and eager engines ( all SUPER FIRE engines are multivalves ). Nevertheless, their weak handling / ride, economy and the unmature image prevent it from being my favourite.  

The GTi version, 2.0HGT, uses the highly rated 5 cylinder SUPER FIRE engine. With 20 valves, variable valve timing and twin counter-rotation balance shafts, it is really a powerful and refined unit. Stiffer chassis setup helps improving the handling a lot, but still no 306-beater. 
 

The above report was last updated in 1998. All Rights Reserved.

 Specifications

Model
Brava 1.6SX
Bravo 2.0HGT
Layout
Front-engined, Fwd
Front-engined, Fwd
Dimension
L / W / H / WB:
4187 / 1741 / 1420 / 2540 mm
L / W / H / WB:
4025 / 1755 / 1414 / 2540 mm
Engine
Inline-4, dohc, 4v/cyl.
Inline-5, dohc, 4v/cyl, VVT,
variable intake manifold, 
balancer shafts.
Capacity
1581 c.c.
1998 c.c.
Power
103 hp
154 hp
Torque
107 lbft
137 lbft
Transmission
5M
5M
Suspension
F: Strut; R: Trailing arm
Tyres
175 / 65 R14
195 / 55 R15
Weight
1198 kg
1244 kg
Top speed
113 mph*
125 mph*
0-60 mph
10.0 sec*
8.1 sec*
0-100 mph
N/A
23.4 sec*
 
* Tested by Autocar
 

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