Road Test
Fiat Bravo 1.4 Sport
Test date 18 July 2007
Price as tested £15,030
For Handsome styling, excellent performance, attractive interior, value for money
AgainstAwkward driving position, compromised rear styling, noisy engine
The Italians make some of the most beautiful products in the world, be it furniture or fashion, architecture or art. And Italy has a long tradition of making some of the most glamorous, sensuous and exquisitely crafted cars in the world, from Alfa Romeos and Lancias to Ferraris and Lamborghinis. There have been plenty of beautiful Fiats too, including the barely remembered Dino Spider and 850 coupé of the 1960s, and the recently departed Barchetta and Coupé.
More admirable for the pleasingly appealing logic of their designs have been the 1957 Fiat 500 (now lovingly reinterpreted), the Panda, the Uno and the first Punto. The latest Punto – probably the sexiest small hatch bar the Mini – marks a departure from the dull Fiats that have done so much to undermine the appeal of the brand these past 30 years, because it flaunts some tasteful, sexy Italian flair.
The handsome new Bravo is further proof that we won’t be seeing any more boring Fiats like the Tipo, Tempra, Seicento, Marea, Stilo, Ulysse, Doblo and Croma.
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