Those used to the dull, fragile feeling of Fiats past will be agreeably surprised by the Bravo’s cabin, which is stylish, attractive and well made.
The main dash is dual-textured, the main occupant-facing section finished with a soft-feel faux carbonfibre material. The wheel is attractively leather-bound, the instruments look classy, the seat trim is attractive and the ambience lifted by tasteful flashes of chrome and piano black. If the lower reaches of the interior are lower grade, the overall effect is nevertheless pleasing and individual.
But while the Bravo’s cabin is spacious, your enjoyment of it may be compromised. The driving position does not suit all. Despite a four-way adjustable wheel, a seat height adjuster and an infinitely adjustable backrest, some testers found themselves endlessly adjusting each in a vain attempt to get comfortable, possibly because the classic Italian ‘short leg, long arm’ stance is forced on you.
There’s disappointment in the rear, too. Under-thigh support is limited because the cushion is mounted too close to the floor, an upshot of the coupé-like roofline. Which is a shame, because knee and foot room aren’t bad, and the seat itself appears well shaped. Less of a compromise is the boot, which is big, well shaped, easy to get at and extendable by folding rear seats that hinge to form a protective bulkhead.
This car is excellent value and turns in better-than-average fuel economy. But depreciation, the bane of many a Fiat, may undermine it. On the positive side, the Bravo’s style and Fiat’s concerted attempts to improve a below-par dealer network should help, as will the evident improvement in quality. But against it is history, and fearsome competition. There’s nothing unusual about the Bravo’s back-up either, in contrast to the new 500 which can optionally be had with a five-year/300,000-mile warranty. Depreciation apart, though, the Bravo should prove painless to own.
