Fiat Bravo 2.0 M-Jet 165 CV Super Sport, road test (part II)

One of the biggest changes compared to the previous model is that in this new Bravo there is no 3-door option. This means there has been a clear shift in sales targets, and the brand no longer tries to attract younger buyers with a sports car; instead, slightly older buyers are the ones choosing this car.

This, together with what we already mentioned when discussing its performance and the softer suspension tuning and other differentiating elements, suggests that Fiat is following the path of Seat, avoiding the Bravo taking competitors away from the Grande Punto based on the number of doors. The picture is clear: if you want a 3-door Fiat? Punto or Grande Punto without hesitation. If you want a 5-door Fiat? you can choose between the Grande Punto and the Bravo we are discussing. But these are not the only differentiating elements: inside, we will also find more.

Exterior design

The name Bravo seems to be associated with more rounded curves, spherical rear lights and a style generally defined by the lines typical of Fiat. My impression is that they tried the Stilo and the public did not like it (looking at today’s Bravo, I don’t either, although I did back then), so they wanted to fix the mistake by launching the Bravo II. It has many similarities with the previous Bravo, although it also inherits from the Stilo, its immediate predecessor.

The front has changed a lot. Now the fog lights occupy their own space and are not shared with the position and dipped beam lights. A real success, especially since they are equipped with the cornering function, which lights up on the corresponding side when turning the steering wheel at low speed. This does not mean they are swiveling headlights, but it helps driving a great deal. Although the grille has the same air intake surface, it is decorated with silver trim and more rounded lines, just like the headlights, where two spheres now clearly distinguish the dipped and main beam lights.

The rear is completely different. The number plate position has been lowered, the reversing and fog lights have been removed from the upper part and combined into a single unit, and the taillights and brake lights still form a geometric shape, but where there used to be an arrow, they now form a slightly elongated sphere. But the most noticeable feature is the exhaust pipes. Although this version includes two horizontal chrome outlets, in lower-powered versions the outlet has been hidden to avoid an unsightly pipe. A real success. The blue colour may not convince at first, but over time (even though we only had it for a week) it ends up looking better the more you look at it and, above all, it draws attention. To top it off, the privacy tinted rear glass further enhanced its attention-grabbing presence and made people look at it favourably.

From the side it clearly recalls the Grande Punto but with more length. In total it measures 4.34 metres long, 1.79 wide and 1.50 high. The 18-inch wheels, together with the red brake calipers, give it a sporty and dignified look at the same time. The side skirts also help the driving sensations be really good, making you want to get inside.

Interior design

Opening the door, we clearly see an improvement in the finishes. It is still plastic, but of good quality, and the dashboard imitates carbon fibre on the passenger side. The Alcantara and fabric seats are of good quality, and the interior overall has gained elegance, but with sporty touches such as the silver pedals and footrest.

The seats are fairly comfortable at first, although after sitting for a long time, without the lumbar adjustment of the driver’s seat your back would suffer considerably. The passenger does not get the same luck, as it is not even available as an option, so a bit of patience is needed and frequent stops are required on long trips. There is no other choice.

The controls have not changed; everything is in its place with a lacquered plastic that adds elegance. The radio is still integrated into the dashboard, where we find the City button, which makes the steering even lighter than in normal mode. Its predecessor had it near the handbrake and was essential, but in this case, it is not necessary to activate it if you are not going to do many manoeuvres. I did notice one change that I don’t see much sense in. On the instrument cluster, the rev counter dial is on the right, while the speed is shown on the left. On the Stilo they were swapped, which I find more logical, since at a glance we tend to look at the right side of the dashboard, where, in my personal view, the speed should appear. On the road, speed is more important than engine revs.

The seat space is clearly noticeable. Four adults, and even five, can be comfortably accommodated, although the front seats will always be more comfortable, mainly because of the legroom in the rear. The third rear headrest is offered as an option for 75 euros and the central armrest for 100 euros. At this price it is worth considering including them so we won’t regret it when there is no other option.

Its 400-litre boot places it above average in its segment and even allows it to compete with smaller saloons. With the seats folded down, capacity rises to 1,175 litres, which is not that remarkable. Lifting the boot floor reveals the famous spare wheel that takes up little space and includes all the tools needed for a change. The other day a relative told me that cars no longer come with a full-size spare wheel, and indeed technology advances and tyres are harder to damage. Although, anyone who sets out to puncture one will manage it.

Overall, quality has improved, and where the chilled glovebox used to be in front of the passenger, it is now in the centre armrest. The elegance is evident in the finishes and the feeling is cosy in a car that invites you to stay seated and cover kilometres without a set destination. Personally I came away with a good impression, and I applaud the direction Fiat is taking with its increasingly refined models.

In the last part we will talk about equipment, the price and, above all, our overall assessment of the car from our point of view: whether it is a recommended purchase or whether there are other competing models worth considering.

Photos | Javi Vicente