Fiat Bravo/Brava
| Fiat Bravo | |
| Fiat Bravo & Brava | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Fiat |
| Production: | 1995—2001 |
| Layout & Class: | FF compact |
| Body Styles: | 3 and 5-door hatchback |
| Predecessor: | Fiat Tipo |
| Successor: | Fiat Stilo |
| Similar to: | Fiat Marea |
| Fiat Bravo | |
| Fiat Bravo | |
The Fiat Bravo and Fiat Brava are two compact automobiles produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat from 1995 to 2001. Effectively two versions of the same car, the Bravo is a 3-door hatchback and the Brava a 5-door hatchback.
The Bravo and Brava were replacements for Fiat's successful but ageing Tipo model. The cars came with all new engines, the base model using a 1370 cc 12-valve engine producing 80 bhp. Two other petrol engines were available: the 103 bhp 1581 cc 16-valve engine and the top of the range 1998cc 20-valve R5 unit used in the HGT model, which produced 147 bhp and which could take the car to a maximum speed of 135 mph. Two turbodiesel engines were also available: both were 1910 cc four cylinder units, one producing 75 bhp and the other making 100 bhp. The Bravo/Brava was voted European Car of the Year on its launch.
In 1996 the Bravo/Brava chassis spawned saloon and estate versions, badged Fiat Marea, which won praise for their large amounts of boot space. Another car based on the Bravo/Brava underpinnings was launched in 1998: the curious looking Fiat Multipla, a six-seater mini-MPV.
The Bravo/Brava received a mild makeover in 1999 but there were few real changes except the addition of a 1.2 16-valve engine from the smaller Fiat Punto and a restyling of the dashboard. The 1.9 turbo-diesel was also upgraded to give even better economy and refinement.
By the 21st century the Bravo/Brava range was looking increasingly dated in the face of new competition like the Ford Focus and Peugeot 307. The Bravo/Brava was discontinued in late 2001, and replaced by the all-new Fiat Stilo.