1995 FIAT Bravo 1.6L 4AT RWD (103 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Fiat replaced the Tipo range in 1994 not with one but with two cars named differently but sharing the same platform: the Bravo and the Brava.

But it was a marketing trick: it was the same vehicle in three and five doors, respectively. While Bravo was the sportier-looking model, the Brava was the family guy. Compared to the older Tipo, it was a significant leap forward in terms of quality and engineering, at a price that could threaten the Golf. In fact, it was that good that it won the 1996 European Car of the Year award.

Its rounded-shaped bodywork was a far departure from the wedged-shaped Tipo. It was the bio-design era, and the Italians did a great job at that. Despite its narrow headlights and the tiny grille above cut on the hood’s front end, it had its appeal. To help cool the engine, the carmaker added a wider grille on the lower part of the bumper. Its rear quarter panels featured an enlarged area above the rear wheels, creating a muscular appearance. Unlike other cars available with three and five doors, the Bravo featured a different set of taillights than its five-door sibling Brava.

Inside, the designers continued the bio-design styling with rounded shapes and curved surfaces. The center stack incorporated the audio system on the upper side. Inside the instrument panel, Fiat installed a four-dial layout with the speedometer and tachometer in the middle, flanked by the fuel gauge on the left and the coolant-temperature indicator on the right.

Under the hood, Fiat installed a wide engine choice, 80 hp, and 154 hp. The latter was offered on a limited edition Abarth. Still, the 2.0-liter HGT that provided 147 hp was almost as potent and available since the car’s launch until late 1999, when the Bravo/Brava duo received an update for the Euro 3 emission standards.