History
The Bravo and the Brava were replacements for Fiat's successful but ageing Tipo model. The cars came with all new engines, the base model using a 1.4 L 12-valve engine producing 80 PS (59 kW). Three other petrol engines were available: the 103 PS (76 kW) 1.6 L 16-valve; the 113 PS (83 kW) 1.8 L 16-valve engine and the top of the range 2.0 L 20-valve R5 unit used in the HGT model, which produced 147 PS (108 kW) and which could take the car to a maximum speed of 213 km/h (132 mph), later in 1999 the HLX 155 model replaced the older model, power rising to 155 PS (114 kW). Two turbodiesel engines were also available: both were 1.9 L four cylinder units, one producing 75 PS (55 kW) and the other making 100 PS (74 kW). The Bravo/Brava was voted European Car of the Year on its launch.
In 1996, the Bravo/Brava chassis spawned saloon and estate versions, badged Fiat Marea, a car which was aimed at Ford Mondeo and Opel/Vauxhall Vectra buyers which won praise for its large boot. Another car based on the Bravo/Brava underpinnings was launched in 1998: the curious looking Fiat Multipla, a six-seater compact MPV.
The Bravo/Brava received a mild makeover in 1999, but there were few real changes except the replacement of the 1.4 L 12-valve engine with a 1.2 L 16-valve engine from the smaller Fiat Punto and a restyling of the dashboard. The 1.9 turbodiesel was also phased out in favour of 1.9 JTD diesel units (now with and 105 PS or 77 kW), to give even better economy and refinement.
The Bravo/Brava was discontinued in late 2001, and replaced by the all-new Fiat Stilo.
Read more about this topic: Fiat Bravo/Brava
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