Fiat Bravo Hatchback

Performance
Five engines are available, with an 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol model kicking off the range. Unfortunately, this is only useful as a runaround, because it's a bit gutless. The turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet is a much better bet, delivering energetic performance, whether in 118bhp or 148bhp guises. Finally, Fiat offers 118bhp and 148bhp 1.9-litre diesels, although the lower-powered version is due to be replaced by a new 1.6 with 104bhp or 118bhp.

Ride & handling
The Bravo can't match the nimbleness of the best small family cars because its light steering has an artificial feel and there's a lot of body roll in corners. To make matters worse, its suspension struggles to deal with imperfections in the road surface, making the ride jittery.

Refinement
One of the best aspects of the Bravo is its quietness. Road noise is well suppressed, and although there is some wind noise, it's far from intrusive. Engine noise fades into the background at a steady cruise, too, and few, if any, manufacturers make smoother four-cylinder diesel engines than Fiat.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
The Bravo is competitively priced and good discounts make it cheaper still. However, this has to be weighed against resale values, which are expected to be poor. Insurance premiums, tax rates and fuel bills are all affordable for most people.

Quality & reliability
Many of the panels in the Bravo's cabin don't line up, while the plastics in the lower reaches feel cheap because they're hard and shiny. Fiat also has a poor record in the annual JD Power customer satisfaction survey, with owners criticising the quality and reliability of many of its models.

Safety & security
The Bravo was awarded a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, and twin front and side airbags are standard across the board. It's a pity the cheapest version misses out on full-length curtain airbags, though. Deadlocks, marked parts and an integrated stereo make life difficult for thieves. Stability control is only available on Sport models.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
Every model has driver's seat height adjustment and a steering wheel that moves for both reach and rake to help you make yourself comfortable. However, the Bravo's sleek exterior styling takes its toll on rear visibility, with a small rear screen, sharply rising waistline and chunky rear side pillars all creating blind spots. Some of the switchgear is confusingly arranged, too.

Space & practicality
In spite of that swooping roofline, there's plenty of headroom throughout the cabin, but rear kneeroom is tight compared to the class leaders. Luggage space is far more generous, thanks to the sheer depth of the boot, although you have to lift items over a high load lip, and the rear wheelarches intrude.

Equipment
Entry-level Bravos come with a CD player, front electric windows and remote central locking, but you have to upgrade to Active to get air-conditioning. Active Sport adds alloy wheels, while Dynamic models feature climate control, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity