It’s seems post-World Cup we are being flooded with a number of facelifted models. Recently, we’ve seen the Toyota Corolla, BMW 3 Series Coupé/Convertible and Dodge Caliber each received make-overs and now it’s the turn of Fiat’s Bravo.
Fiat SA has also taken the opportunity to simplify the Bravo range by offering just a single model, the 110 kW 1.4 T-Jet, which is now simply referred to as the Bravo Sport.
The updated compact five-door Fiat Bravo wears a new grille up front, coupled with a set of headlights that are smoked and with direction indicators that have been made clear (as opposed to amber). Two new paint colours have been introduced, namely ‘Tempesta Grey’ (a shiny mid-tone silver) and ‘Ballad Pearl’ (a creamy bronze).
Under the bodywork, the new Bravo benefits from a revised suspension setup to deliver improved comfort. Fiat engineers have also improved the car’s insulation, which Fiat says makes the car quieter when cruising and has suppressed wind noise at higher speeds.
The Fiat Bravo Sport retains the 110 kW 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Torque of 206 Nm is available from 2 000 r/min, while a button marked ‘Sport’, located on the centre console, releases a full 230 Nm at 3 000 r/min. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 8.2 seconds and top speed is 212 km/h. Fiat claims an average fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100 km and 9.3 l/100km around town.
The interior of the new Fiat Bravo is largely unchanged, save for the door panels, to which reflectors have been added, and the rear middle passenger seat now gets a headrest as well.
The price has also been revised, downwards from the previous T-Jet Sport infact. The new 2010 Fiat Bravo Sport will set you back R239 900, which makes it’s mix of style and performance an attractive alternative to the likes of Golf, Focus, Civic or Mazda3.
