Fiat Bravo Eco 1.6 Multijet 105
Fiat Launches Green Variant of the Bravo
Being green is nothing new to Fiat - the greenest manufacturer in Europe, according to figures published by Jato Dynamics.
Now, though, Fiat has launched the Bravo Eco to enhance its range. The car’s power plant is based on the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel and starts from £14,150 in Active trim while the Dynamic trim level starts from £15,150.
What are the Green Credentials of the Eco Variant?
The Eco pack optimises aerodynamics by incorporating low rolling resistance tyres and taller gear ratios to improve fuel economy and at the same time lowering emissions.
On the green side the Fiat Bravo Eco is a star-studded performer. It emits 119g/km, which means £35 on road tax per annum. With fuel prices soaring the fiat bravo Eco on the combined fuel cycle, according to official figures will return 62.8mpg, which means the ozner should be saving money as soon as they buy this variant of the Bravo.
The Bravo Eco Variant Under the Bonnet
The test car was powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine, and it had an output of 105bhp. Getting past slower traffic was a breeze as the bravo Eco has 290Nm of torque from 2,000rpm.
Even though this Bravo is a green car the performance figures make interesting reading - zero to 62mph in a time of 11.3 seconds while it has a top speed of 116mph. The Bravo continues to impress as it has a smooth shifting six-speed gearbox.
The Fiat Bravo on Test
On challenging and in wintry conditions the Bravo Eco performed admirably for a front wheel drive car. The test route had a mix of roads and included motorway routes and rural roads. The Bravo stood up well to the test and it has a balanced chassis, which made the car handle very well.
However, a downside was the extremely light steering. Feedback to the driver was minimal, but to compensate this the steering was accurate. The roads on the test route were saturated in water and the low rolling resistance tyres proved that they are really grippy in wet conditions.
The Fiat Bravo Eco Variant Interior
Jumping into the Bravo Eco and reveals a car marked with quality. The fit and finish is first class. The Italian maker has fitted the car with high quality plastics while the two-tone dash gives the interior a trendy look. It has been solidly built as the shut lines are neat and there are no panel gaps.
Fiat Bravo Eco is Packed With Safety Features
The Italian marque has packed the bravo Eco with a host of safety features. To protect occupants in the event of an accident the Bravo comes with six airbags (including window bags). It has also got ABS (Anti-lock brakes) as standard to help sudden stopping, without locking the wheels and the customer can also get stability control as an option.
Choosing this option, the consumer also gets the package which includes a hill start function that holds the car momentarily when pulling away on steep inclines.
Space and Practicality
There’s the same amount of space in the Bravo Eco as there is in a normal Fiat Bravo. The car is driver friendly as the dash is laid out well and the switches are within easy reach. It’s quite roomy in the rear and will fit two adults with ease – a third will be a bit more of a squeeze.
The contours of the roofline will, however, give tall people neck ache, as they will have to sit with their head tilted for the whole journey. The driving position is good and there is all-round visibility is really good, which makes this car very easy to park in and around town.
The greenest car-maker in Europe has made a great green car, whilst keeping the eye-catching style that has made the model so popular.
Fiat has not tinkered too much with the Bravo Eco, and the Eco version has retained the handling of its sibling models which is a good thing. If the guide-books are correct then the Bravo Eco residuals should hold up well when the consumer goes to sell the car on.
Fiat Bravo Eco
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