We review the Fiat Bravo Eco (2008) from price to economy and all its features
THE Fiat range is getting as sexy as an Ultimo lingerie catalogue with a line-up full of stunners.
Now meet WonderBravo!
The new Bravo is not only great-looking, but the 1.6-litre diesel also delivers a sensational 62mpg.
The hi-tech engine, called the Eco, has the same low emissions of 119g/km as a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3 turbo diesel.
Driving normally and mainly around town, the trip on my test car showed over 50mpg, but that’s still impressive in the real world.
And you could get more than 55mpg if you drove with a light right foot.
Performance isn’t shabby either. The diesel has a useful turn of speed and it cruises quietly at motorway speeds.
The Bravo has a sporty feel when it come to the driving package, plus you get a smooth six-speed box, although it isn’t quite as sporty as the racy Italian styling would suggest.
I love the profile and aggressive front-end of the Bravo. Like its little Grande Punto brother, it has a mini-Maserati appeal with gaping wide mesh grille.
On the inside you get a smart, well laid-out cabin, with a nice combination of piano black trim - which gives it such a classy look.
Adding to the sense of security is the standard safety equipment tally, which features six airbags (including window bags) and anti-lock brakes.
Stability control is available as an option, and this package incorporates a hill start function that holds the car momentarily when pulling away on steep inclines.
Two Eco versions are available: an entry-level based on Active spec which starts from £14,150, and a Dynamic flagship priced at £15,150.
I drove the latter, which has air-conditioning, electric windows and remote central locking. Standard kit also includes Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free phone and MP3 player system, plus 16in alloys.
But the icing on the cake is that the Bravo’s diesel engine fits into the Government’s new entry-level 10 per cent company car tax band from this month.
And that’ll reduce the monthly benefit-in-kind tax for a 20 per cent taxpayer to £350 a year or less than £30 a month. With the Bravo Eco’s road tax benefits, its miserly fuel consumption and a price of £13,895, this makes it a tempting family hatch proposition.
This is a WonderBravo that gives you a lot of support - in the wallet.