During the last bridge of the constitution I had a long-awaited travel companion. This is the Fiat Bravo in its top-of-the-range version, with the 165 CV Diesel engine and the Super Sport finish.
I had been wanting to try the top version of the Italian compact for some time. The Fiat Bravo has been on the market for some time and has evolved from those first units that I was able to test. Holding the engine by hand 2.0 Multijet 165 hp that already equips the Lancia Delta and some Alfa Romeo models, Fiat has created this top version combining it exclusively with the Super Sport finish and the omnipresent 5-door body (The Bravo is not available in other bodies).
Ávila and its walls witnessed our test
According to Fiat, the 2.0 hp 165 Diesel is a logical evolution of the 1.9 hp 150 Mjet. Gaining a millimeter in diameter on each piston, and lowering the compression ratio from 17,5:1 on the 1.9 to 16,5:1 on the 2.0, the new engine offers 15 hp and 5,6 mkg extra (that is, 165 hp and 36,7 mkg at 1.750 rpm).
With this mechanic the Bravo completes the 0-100 km/h in 8,2 seconds, reaches 215 km/h and homologates only 5.3 litres/100 km, for which he pays a registration tax of 4,75%.
In addition to the figures, the new engine includes a system of “low voltage” preheaters that decrease the time required for startup and may include a DPF particle filter in addition to the well-known EGR exhaust gas recirculation valve.
Bodywork and design
The new Fiat Bravo seems to have changed its target audience. Those who want a youthful vehicle with a sportier character should opt for the Grande Punto (about 30 cm smaller and with a three-door body) while the the Bravo is already a more “elegant” and capable vehicle in all its versions than the Stilo was.
Outwardly, a series of details confirm that we are dealing with a different model. The chrome trim, side skirts, a small spoiler on the tailgate, muscled wheel arches and especially the 18 ”wheels that house red painted brake calipers mark the distances. Likewise, the dual chrome exhaust outlet it is well visible unlike lower versions where it is voluntarily hidden from view. The set is complemented by the tinted windows in the same shade as the sunroof (optional for €1.100) and a discreet “B” for “Bravo” in red on the tailgate.
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In my opinion, andThe white color of this version is not particularly attractive. He would have preferred the striking blue paint (available as an option), to game with the interior upholstery of seats and doors. Other "sports" style vehicles such as a SEAT León or VW Golf have a prettier white than this Bravo.
The Bravo measures 4,33m long by 1,49m high and 1,79m wide. She has a wheelbase of 2,60 meters and a trunk of 400 litres. Inside it can accommodate five adults without too many restrictions, but logically four people is the ideal figure. The trunk is very capable and usable, close to sedans in the upper segment (the loading edge is too high) but in exchange it has a spare wheel of reduced dimensions. It has a 58 liter tank.
Interior design and life on board
When you open the door, the sporty atmosphere continues and conveys a feeling of a quality car.. Maybe they are my impressions or what Fiat has been improving the production of the Bravo, but it seems to me that everything is better assembled and the finishes are finer than before. The controls transmit quality to the touch, although when operating them some seem very crude (such as the lights and cruise control).
Otherwise the rest of the coatings are quite goodor (without being the best), highlighting the simile carbon fiber of the passenger and upper part of the dashboard. Likewise, the doors are upholstered in fabric, have a soft coating or painted and lacquered parts, that is, fulfills to spare.
The decoration has also been taken care of, from the steering wheel and brake lever with stitching to match the upholstery, pedals and footrest in aluminum. The dashboard is combined with painted and lacquered plastics, some in imitation carbon fiber (for example, those of the air conditioner).
The seats are upholstered in alcantara and fabric combining blue and black (other interior combinations exist), with a very sporty look. In this model the rear seats are not neglected and are comfortable. They have rear adjustable air outlet.
The front seats are wide and firm, although in my opinion, The passenger seat should have adjustable lumbar support. (if you have the driver) since it is scarce. Leg support is also somewhat lacking. The front armrest It is low but on the other hand it does not hinder at all when changing gear. It also has two holes in which objects can be stored and hidden from view. There are more holes scattered around the cabin, all of them with a rubber bottom so that objects do not move. The glove box is quite big although in somewhat strange and unusable ways.
The amplitude is good in all measures, even in height, despite the sunroof, so it is perfectly valid both for day to day and for long distances
