Fiat Bravo and Brava

{{Short description|Hatchback car models}} {{Redirect|Fiat Bravo|the 2007 Bravo|Fiat Bravo (2007)|the car marketed in the United States as the Fiat Bravo from 1978|Fiat 131}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}} {{Infobox automobile | image = Fiat Bravo ca 1995 aus Hof (Bayern) bei Mill Road in Cambridge 2011.jpg | caption = Fiat Bravo | name = Fiat Bravo Fiat Brava | manufacturer = [[Fiat]] | aka = Fiat Bravissimo (Japan) | production = 1995–2001 (Europe) 1999–2003 (Brazil) | predecessor = [[Fiat Tipo (Type 160)|Fiat Tipo]] | class = [[Small family car]] ([[C-segment|C]]) | assembly = Italy: [[Alfa Romeo Cassino Plant|Cassino Plant]], [[Piedimonte San Germano]], [[Lazio]]<ref name="bravo-guide.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.bravo-guide.co.uk/press.htm|title=Fiat Press Information|access-date=12 November 2008|publisher=Bravo-guide.co.uk}}</ref> Italy: [[Rivalta di Torino|Rivalta]] Brazil: [[Betim]], [[Minas Gerais]] (Brava only) Turkey: [[Bursa]] ([[Tofaş]]: Brava only) Poland: [[Tychy]] ([[Fiat Auto Poland]])<ref>[http://www.auto-press.net/a:10-million-vehicles-produced-in-the-former-FSM-and-Fiat-Auto-Poland-factories 10 million vehicles produced in the former FSM and Fiat Auto Poland factories]</ref> | body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]] (Bravo) 5-door [[fastback]] (Brava) | layout = [[FF layout]] | platform = [[Fiat C platform|Fiat C1]] | engine = | transmission = | successor = [[Fiat Stilo]] | wheelbase = {{convert|2540|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|4020|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Bravo) {{convert|4190|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Brava) | width = {{convert|1750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|1010|-|1190|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} | related = [[Fiat Marea]] [[Fiat Multipla]] [[Alfa Romeo 147]] [[Alfa Romeo 156]] [[Alfa Romeo GT]] [[Lancia Lybra]] | designer = Centro Stile Fiat (1992):<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lexpansion.lexpress.fr/actualite-economique/megane-bravo-compte-a-rebours-pour-un-double-lancement_1349366.html|title= MEGANE, BRAVO COMPTE A REBOURS POUR UN DOUBLE LANCEMENT|date= 18 September 1995}} MEGANE, BRAVO COMPTE A REBOURS POUR UN DOUBLE LANCEMENT 18 September 1995.</ref> Peter Fassbender (Bravo) Mauro Basso (Brava) }}

The '''Fiat Bravo''' and '''Fiat Brava''' (Type 182) are [[small family car]]s produced by the Italian automaker [[Fiat]] from 1995 to 2003 (2001 in Europe). They were effectively two versions of the same car: the Bravo, a three-door [[hatchback]], and the Brava, a five-door [[fastback]]. The Bravo name was revived in January 2007, with the all-new [[Fiat Bravo (2007)|Fiat Bravo]], a replacement for the [[Fiat Stilo|Stilo]]. The new version was available only with five doors.

The name Brava was also used in the United States in the 1980s, on the earlier [[Fiat 131]].

==History== {{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | image1 = Fiat Bravo 1.9 TD.jpg | width1 = 170px | caption1 = 3 door Fiat Bravo | image2 = Fiat_Bravo_GT.jpg | width2 = 170px | caption2 = 3 door Fiat Bravo }} {{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | image3 = Fiat Brava front 20080318.jpg | width3 = 170px | caption3 = 5 door Fiat Brava | image4 = Fiat Brava rear 20080318.jpg | width4 = 170px | caption4 = 5 door Fiat Brava rear | image1 = | image5 = | width5 = 170px | caption5 = Interior }}

The Bravo and the Brava were replacements for Fiat's successful but ageing [[Fiat Tipo (Type 160)|Tipo]] model. The two cars were very different in styling detail and driving experience, the Bravo chassis being tuned for more precise handling, whilst the Brava was tuned for better comfort. The interior trim and many of the body colours were unique to either one version or the other. Both cars had a two-star safety rating on [[Euro NCAP]]. The cars came with all-new engines, the base model using a 1.4 L 12-valve engine producing {{convert|80|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Three other petrol engines were available: the {{convert|103|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} 1.6 L 16 valve; the {{convert|113|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} 1.8 L 16-valve engine and the top-of-the-range 2.0 L 20-valve inline five unit used in the HGT model, which produced {{convert|147|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} and which could take the car to a maximum speed of {{convert|213|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. In 1999, the 155 HGT model replaced the older model, offering greater power of {{convert|155|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}.

Two [[turbodiesel]] engines were also available: both were 1.9 L four-cylinder units, one producing {{convert|75|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} and the other making {{convert|100|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The Bravo/Brava was voted [[European Car of the Year]] on its launch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewind to 1996: Fiat Bravo/Brava |url=https://www.evanshalshaw.com/news/rewind-1996-fiat-bravo-brava/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117191846/http://www.quicks.co.uk/news/2013/rewind-1996-fiat-bravo-brava/ |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Evans Halshaw |language=en}}</ref>

The Bravo/Brava chassis spawned [[sedan (car)|saloon]] and [[station wagon|estate]] versions in 1996, which were badged as the [[Fiat Marea]], a car which aimed at [[Ford Mondeo]] and [[Opel Vectra|Opel/Vauxhall Vectra]] buyers, which won praise for its large [[Trunk (automobile)|boot]].

Another car based on the Bravo/Brava underpinnings, the [[Fiat Multipla]], was launched in 1998, which was a six-seater [[compact MPV]]. In 1999, the Bravo/Brava received a mild makeover. It was discontinued in 2001, being replaced by the [[Fiat Stilo]].

The cars were advertised as being silent, futuristic, economical and offering "The Choice". Fiat's Italian adverts said "Fiat Bravo. Fiat Brava. La Scelta", which roughly translates as "Fiat Bravo. Fiat Brava. The Choice", hinting at the fact that they 'were very similar cars but with the option of a sporty three-door [[hatchback]] or a practical five-door [[fastback]].<ref>{{cite web| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/flgNCrXaeA0| archive-date = 5 December 2021| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flgNCrXaeA0| title = FIAT Bravo & Brava spot commercial (1995) | website=YouTube| date = 31 January 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Peter Davis, Fiat's Styling Center director at the time, said that they started working on the Bravo and Brava immediately after they had finished working on the Coupe and the Barchetta. He said they wanted to push the design to the limit, break the rules and discover every angle of the car, distinguishing it from the competitors.<ref>{{cite web| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/jPi1CtWncKw| archive-date = 5 December 2021| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPi1CtWncKw| title = FIAT Bravo review – (Old) Top Gear – Series 34 (1995) | website=YouTube| date = 9 March 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[Jeremy Clarkson]] reviewed the Fiat Bravo and Brava in 1995 on ''[[Top Gear (1977 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', stating that "This is how an ordinary car can look like, if you put a bit of effort into it". He also stated : "I'm in a three-door hatchback, which you can buy for less than £10,000, and I'm having fun, and it's only got a 1.4-litre engine! A good-looking car that's nice to drive and cheap to run too." Clarkson also said that the car felt rigid, there were no squeaks or rattles, and all the switches inside had a quality feel.<ref>{{cite web| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/jPi1CtWncKw| archive-date = 5 December 2021| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPi1CtWncKw| title = FIAT Bravo review – (Old) Top Gear – Series 34 (1995) | website=YouTube| date = 9 March 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Facelift== The Bravo/Brava received a mild facelift in 1999.

The 1.4L 12v engine was dropped in favour of the 1.2 16v unit from the [[Fiat Punto]], the 2.0L 20V engine of the HGT model gained VVT and VIS systems upping the power from {{convert|147|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|155|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}, the dashboard was redesigned and improved across all trim levels, the grilles of the cars were redesigned, the A/C unit was swapped with the automatic one from the [[Fiat Coupé]], and other small details about the cars were changed throughout the range of trims.

The 1.9 [[turbodiesel]] was phased out in favour of 1.9 JTD diesel units (now with and {{convert|105|PS|kW|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}), to give even better economy and refinement. In the Greek market, all later model Bravas received the rear deck spoiler as standard.

==Special editions==

* '''Anniversaire''': introduced in 1997 for both cars, with only 1,100 pieces, celebrating Fiat's win of ''Car of the Year 1996'' for the Bravo/Brava duo, for the market in Western Europe. It was a 1.6 16v Sx version, with metallic paint, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights, front passenger airbag, ABS and a CD player instead of the Tape player. * '''Evening Vale''': introduced in March 2000 for the Brava for the Western Europe market. It was a 1.2 16V/1.6 16V/1.9 JTD SX version, with special 14" wheel trims and automatic A/C. * '''Formula''': introduced in 2001, for the Bravo, for the United Kingdom. It was a 1.2 16V SX version with the GT Trim's 15" wheels, GT's rear spoiler, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights, CD Player and remote central locking. * '''Limited Edition''': onwards from 2000, for the Hungarian market. Available for the 1.2 16V and 1.6 16V versions, it featured metallic paint, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights, a passenger airbag and automatic A/C. The 1.6 16V also featured ABS. * '''Special Edition''': limited Edition, but only for the Bravo. * '''Steel''': last Bravo/Brava models, a "farewell" of October 2001, for the market of Western European, before the duo was discontinued. Offered in 1.2 16v, 1.6 16v and 1.9 JTD Sx models, it featured Metallic Gray/Black/Blue paint, GT's 15" alloy wheels (Bravo) or Special 14" Wheel Trims (Brava), GT's rear spoiler, darkened rear lights (Bravo), "Steel" logo in the C column, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights, passenger airbag, automatic A/C, CD Player, GT's steering wheel and shift knob wrapped in leather, two tone black/blue seats, white GT cluster and silver gt console and dash trim. * '''Suite''': available only for the 1.6/1.8/1.9 JTD Bravo GT for the Swiss market, in Blue or Black metallic colours, featuring special seven spoke 15" alloy wheels, the GT's rear spoiler, '''Suite''' logo in the C Column, front passenger airbag, side airbags, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights, automatic A/C, remote central locking, a high quality four speaker CD player with a CD Changer, GT leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, silver center console and dash trim and a full leather interior in cream, dark brown, dark blue or black. * '''Trofeo''': available only for the 1.2 Bravo Sx, for Western European markets, for 2000. Similar to the "Formula", it featured metallic Gray/Blue/Black/Sprint Blue/Sky Blue paint, GT's 15" alloy wheels painted with special gray paint, GT's rear spoiler, Trofeo written on the front wings, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights, automatic A/C, GT's leather shift knob and steering wheel, white GT's cluster, silver center console and dash trim, blue/black two tone seats and door trim. * '''Yellow''': Hungarian 1.2 16v Sx Bravo, featuring the GT's alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, fog lights and only available in a distinct yellow.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fiatbravo.hu/leirasok/view.php?id=96 |title = Leírások: Különleges Bravo/Brava változatok}}</ref>

==HGT Abarth== In the end of 1999, Fiat introduced the [[Abarth]] accessories for the Bravo, available were more aggressive wheels and bodykit, performance was the same as the 2.0 HGT model. It was produced from 2000 to 2002.

==Engines== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" |- !Model 1995–2003 !Engine !Displacement !Power !Torque !Note !0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (Bravo/Brava) |- !colspan="7"|Petrol engines |- |'''1.4 S/SX'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,370 cc|| {{convert|80|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm|| {{convert|112|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 2750 rpm|| Until 1999|| 13.7s – 13.9s |- |'''80 SX/HSX'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,242 cc|| {{convert|82|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm|| {{convert|113|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 4250 rpm|| From 1999|| 12.5s – 13.0s |- |'''100 SX/HSX/ELX'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,581 cc|| {{convert|103|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5750 rpm|| {{convert|144|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm|| – || 11.0s – 11.5s |- |'''115 ELX/HLX/GT'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,747 cc|| {{convert|113|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6100 rpm|| {{convert|154|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 4400 rpm|| – || 10.0s – 10.3s |- |'''Brava HGT'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,747 cc|| {{convert|132|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6500 rpm|| {{convert|186|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 4500 rpm||Brava only, from 2001|| 8.5s |- |'''Bravo HGT'''||[[straight-5|I5]]||1,998 cc|| {{convert|147|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6100 rpm|| {{convert|186|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 4500 rpm||Bravo only, until 1999|| 8.5s |- |'''155 HGT VIS'''||[[straight-5|I5]]||1,998 cc|| {{convert|155|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6500 rpm|| {{convert|186|Nm|lb·ft|0|abbr=on}} at 3750 rpm||Bravo only, from 1999, used a plastic variable geometry intake manifold || 8.0s |- !colspan="7"|Diesel engines |- |'''1.9 D SX'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,929 cc||{{convert|65|PS|kW hp||abbr=on}} at 4600 rpm||{{convert|119|Nm|lbft||abbr=on}} at 2000 rpm|| – || 17.8s – 17.8s |- |'''TD 75 SX'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,910 cc||{{convert|75|PS|kW hp||abbr=on}} at 4200 rpm||{{convert|147|Nm|lbft||abbr=on}} at 2750 rpm|| – || 15.1s – 15.5s |- |'''TD 100 SX/ELX'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,910 cc||{{convert|100|PS|kW hp||abbr=on}} at 4200 rpm||{{convert|200|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2250 rpm|| – || 10.8s – 11.0s |- |'''JTD 105 SX/ELX/GT'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,910 cc||{{convert|105|PS|kW hp||abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm||{{convert|200|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 1500 rpm||From 1999|| 10.4s – 10.6s |- |'''JTD 100 SX/ELX/GT'''||[[straight-4|I4]]||1,910 cc||{{convert|100|PS|kW hp||abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm||{{convert|200|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 1500rpm||From 2001 to 2003|| 10.4s – 10.6s |}

==Brazil== The Brava was produced from September 1999 to 2003 in Brazil for the home market and export,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oliveira |first=Por Ricardo de |date=3 September 2018 |title=Fiat Bravo: detalhes, versões, motores (e equipamentos) |url=https://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/fiat-bravo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201212122/https://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/fiat-bravo/ |archive-date=2021-12-01 |access-date=2021-12-01 |website=Notícias Automotivas |language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 July 2016|title=Fiat encerrou produção de Bravo, Idea e Linea no dia 17 de junho|url=https://www.autossegredos.com.br/mercado/fiat-encerrou-producao-de-bravo-idea-e-linea-no-dia-17-de-junho/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=Autos Segredos|language=pt-BR}}</ref> but in the former, the engines available were:

* Brava SX/ELX 1.6 16v ({{convert|106|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}) * Brava HGT 1.8 16v ({{convert|127|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} or {{convert|132|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}) ==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Commons category-inline|Fiat Bravo}} *{{Commons category-inline|Fiat Brava}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fiat Bravo Brava}} [[Category:Fiat vehicles|Bravo Brava]] [[Category:Compact cars]] [[Category:Euro NCAP small family cars]] [[Category:Latin NCAP small family cars]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1995]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 2003]] [[Category:Hot hatches]] [[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Cars of Brazil]] [[Category:Cars of Poland]] [[Category:Cars of Turkey]]