Fiat Bravo/Brava
The three-door Fiat Bravo and five-door Brava are hatchback automobiles built to replace Fiat's ageing Tipo. They were meant to be visually stylish alternatives to more conservative cars in the sub-compact and compact sector, such as the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra.
The car came with all new engines, the base model using a 1370 cc 12-valve engine producing 80 bhp. Two other petrol engines were also available: the 1581 cc 16-valve engine, producing 103 bhp, and the star of the range, the 1998cc 20-valve R5 engine (on the HGT model) producing from 147 bhp (mk1) to 154 bhp (mk2), that could take the car to a maximum speed of 135 mph. Two turbo diesel engines were also available for drivers who wanted economical motoring. 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 a saloon and estate version, the Marea, which was aimed more at Ford Mondeo and Renault Laguna buyers. It was less distinctive than the competition but had an enormous boot.
Another car based on the Bravo/Brava underpinnings was launched in 1998–the curious looking Multipla mini MPV with six seats, three on two benches. It was easily the most distinctively styled car even seen in that market.
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 turn of the new Millennium the Bravo/Brava range was looking increasingly dated in the face of new competition like the Ford Focus and Peugeot 307. Fiat's response was to launch an all-new car. The result in late 2001 was the Fiat Stilo. The three-door hatchback was stylish and aimed at the sporty end of the market while the five-door version was ultra practical and dull looking.