Overall Rating |  |
Bravo (three-door) is a pleasant small family car, easy on the eye, lively and fun to drive. The uprated 16-valve versions from 1999 are superior to earlier models.
For
- Good value; cheapest European car in its class
- Handling is almost sporty
- Larger engines give enjoyable performance
Against
- Below-average safety and security ratings
- Ride is inferior to French and Japanese rivals
- Some reliability issues
Road Test
Bravo looks and feels sportier than the 5-door Brava; its lower weight gives performance advantages.
The car has Italian brio, with eager engines of 80bhp to 150+bhp. The 100bhp 1.6 16v from 1999 suits the car well, giving 0-60mph in just over 10 seconds. The free-revving 1.2 16v is livelier than the 1.4. A crisp gear-change, good grip and relatively light bodies help the keen driver's enjoyment of the cars, whether nipping in and out of traffic or hurrying along country roads. Ride is fidgety at lower speeds but not uncomfortably so.
With low purchase prices, average fuel economy, insurance in Groups 5 to 8 for popular versions, and sensible servicing costs, Bravo is a good budget choice if you can live with so-so safety and security standards.
Need To Know
NCAP: 2
Best Models: 1.2 16v 80; 1.6 16v 100; 2.0 20v 155
Worst Models: Basic 1.4 S
Replacement: by Stilo in 2001
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling  Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav  |
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