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Today's
Fiat is no longer a conservative and slow-response giant. It has
learned
the importance of styling, packaging, character and image, therefore
its
recent products like Brava, Bravo, Barchetta and Coupe usually become
the
stars in magazines.
The
twins Brava and Bravo are actually the same model (Marea is the 3-box
saloon
or Estate version), the former is 5 dr version and the latter is 3 dr.
But designers created two different appearance - Brava is more
conventional
while Bravo is sportier, but both are fashionable and niche.
They
were voted as European Car of the Year 1996, following Punto in 1995,
which
is the first back to back victory for a manufacturer. People like they
styling, remarkable accommodation (though not as impressive as its
predecessor,
Tipo) and eager engines ( all SUPER FIRE engines are multivalves ).
Nevertheless,
their weak handling / ride, economy and the unmature image prevent it
from
being my favourite.
The
GTi version, 2.0HGT, uses the highly rated 5 cylinder SUPER FIRE
engine.
With 20 valves, variable valve timing and twin counter-rotation balance
shafts, it is really a powerful and refined unit. Stiffer chassis setup
helps improving the handling a lot, but still no 306-beater.
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