Bravo is back for second chance; MIKE TORPEY drives the Flat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet 150 Spot 5 door and is impressed with its upmarket looks.

Byline: MIKE TORPEY

ITALIAN manufacturer Fiat has, for years, shown a capacity to excite and frustrate.

While models like the X-19, Fiat Coupe and newly-launched European Car of the Year the 500 took cutting edge style to fresh heights, others like the Croma and Stilo bombed.

Fans of the marque will appreciate that the name Bravo is not a new one.

The original three-door hatchback successfully replaced the Tipo and Fiat is hoping the latest one will perform a similar job in following the Stilo.

And the range, now five-door rather than three, is already having the desired effect.

With design cues taken from the smart Grand Punto, the Bravo looks an upmarket model, combining an angular profile with muscular wheel arches.

Some 15 versions are available, costing from pounds 10,995 to pounds 15,495.

This model featured top-level sport spec and while the Bravo cabin is a pleasant enough place to spend time, it doesn't go the extra yard that can make the difference to a buyer.

For instance, the dash looks uninspiring with its mix of plain and checkeffect plastic, while rear legroom is barely adequate when the front seats are fully slid back.

The situation is worse if a fifth passenger needs accommodating as the centre position is cramped and uncomfor table .

Admittedly, there are attractions like body-hugging two-tone seats, leather steering wheel and gearshift, cruise control, electric windows and a top-quality sound system, but a couple of hundred quid short of pounds 15,000 doesn't represent attractive value.

While the entry level 1.4-litre Bravo makes greater appeal, it can't boast the Sport's trump card - a 150bhp T-Jet engine.

It is the first example of a new family of Fiat-developed petrol powerplants that adopt the smallest possible turbocharger to allow performance capable of matching a conventionally aspirated 1.8 or 2.0-litre engine, but with 10 to 20% better fuel consumption.

Not to put too fine a point on it, this is an absolute belter of an engine with loads of punch, a refined sound and an easy six-speed transmission.

With its stiff body and terrific dynamics, the Bravo is a great fun car to drive .

There is also plenty of scope to add optional equipment, the best of which is called Blue & Me. Standard on the Dynamic and Sport models, it's a Windows-based system that allows music files to be played through the stereo and includes a hands-free system.

Facts and figures

Make: Fiat

Model: Bravo 1.4 T-Jet 150 Sport 5dr

Price: pounds 14,800

Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,368cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gear box

Max speed: 131mph

0-62mph: 8.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 39.8

Insurance group: 10

CO2 emissions: 167g/km

BiK rating: 20%

Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles, 3 years paint, 8 years anti-rust

CAPTION(S):

HIGH HOPES - the Fiat Bravo has been relaunched with new styling inside and out