Fiat Bravo/Brava

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Fiat Brava

Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1995-2001
Predecessor	Fiat Tipo
Successor	Fiat Stilo
Class	Small family car

Fiat Bravo Mark 1

Production	1995-2001
Predecessor	Fiat Tipo
Successor	Fiat Stilo
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Wheelbase	2540 mm
Length	4020 mm (Bravo) 4190 mm (Brava)
Width	1750 mm
Height	1420 mm
Related	Fiat Marea Fiat Multipla
Similar	Citroën Xsara Ford Escort Opel Astra Peugeot 306

Fiat Bravo Mark 2

Production	2007 - present
Predecessor	Fiat Stilo
Successor	None
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Wheelbase	2600 mm
Length	4340 mm
Width	1790 mm
Height	1490 mm
Related	Fiat Panda Fiat Punto Fiat Idea Fiat Multipla Fiat Croma Fiat Sedici
Similar	Alfa Romeo 147 Citroën C4 Ford Focus Kia Cee'd Opel Astra Peugeot 307 Toyota Auris Volkswagen Golf

The Fiat Bravo and Fiat Brava are two small family cars produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1995 to 2001. Effectively two versions of the same car, the Bravo is a three-door hatchback and the Brava a five-door hatchback. The nameplate will be revived for 2007 with an all-new replacement for the Stilo.

[edit] First generation

The Bravo and Brava were replacements for Fiat's successful but aging Tipo model. The cars came with all new engines, the base model using a 1.4 L 12-valve engine producing 80 bhp. Three other petrol engines were available: the 103 bhp 1.6 L 16-valve; the 113 bhp 1.8 L 16-valve engine and the top of the range 2.0 L 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 1.9 L 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 its large boot. 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 turbodiesel 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 Europe in late 2001, and replaced by the all-new Fiat Stilo, which would be ultimately a sales disappointment.

The Brava was produced until 2003 in Brazil and the engines available were:

Brava SX 1.6 16v (106bhp)
Brava ELX 1.6 16v (106bhp)
Brava HGT 1.8 16v (132bhp) (the same engine used in the Brazilian Fiat Marea SX model)

[edit] Second generation

The Bravo nameplate is set to make a return during spring 2007. [1] The successor of the Stilo will be initially offered in five-door hatchback form. There is no word yet regarding whether a three-door Bravo will be introduced at a later date. The new Bravo will be powered by the following engines: [2]

90hp 1.4-liter petrol (previously used in Punto)
120hp 1.4-liter T-JET petrol turbo (new design)
150hp 1.4-liter T-JET petrol turbo
120hp 1.9-liter Multijet turbodiesel
150hp 1.9-liter Multijet turbodiesel

The new Bravo will be produced in Fiat's Piedimonte S. Germano plant (Frosinone). The car is designed by the Fiat Style Centre and is expected to be introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.