The Fiat Bravo is continuing the theme of constant renewal with market arrival of the new FPT developed 1.6 Multijet 16v engine to be made available in two power versions: 105 or 120 bhp.

A year after its launch, the Fiat Bravo has proved that it can compete at the highest level in the main segment of the European car market. The sales figures are the best proof of this: more than 90,000 vehicles were sold in Europe during 2007 (compared with target sales of 70,000) and 120,000 orders were placed, of which no fewer than 60% were from abroad. Alongside these excellent performances, the model has also notched up an absolute record: since last April, when the delivery programme became fully operational, the Fiat Bravo has been the highest-selling compact 5-door car in Italy.

These commercial results are even more interesting if we consider that the sales mix in Europe is made up of the more luxurious versions of the car: 35% of customers opted for top of the range models (Emotion and Sport), 60% chose the Dynamic version, while 55% of customers went for the lively 1.9 Multijet engine (120 bhp).

In short, the Fiat Bravo has not only reached the ambitious targets set – it has exceeded them. Its customers are younger than the average age for this segment – dynamic, style-conscious and looking for the performance that only an Italian car can provide, without losing out on the functionality offered by the large boot and spacious interior. When interviewed several months after their purchase, the customers also stated that they were extremely satisfied with the vehicle’s quality: a result that confirms the excellent trend in internal quality markers, on a par with those for the Fiat Panda.

But the success of a car must face the harshest of all tests: time. This is why a series of important new features have been implemented to meet customers’ new demands. For example? Last July saw the introduction of a new series of “downsized” 1.4 T-Jet engines (150 and 120 bhp). These engines use a new generation turbo compressor combined with a lower displacement engine which generates a performance equal to or even superior to higher displacement engines, yet with lower consumption and emissions.

Today, the Fiat Bravo is continuing the theme of constant renewal with the new 1.6 Multijet 16v engine. Multijet and multivalve – a latest-generation turbo diesel power plant that confirms Fiat’s outstanding technological capabilities when it comes to designing and developing diesel engines.  Available in two power versions (105 or 120 bhp, the first on sale in January and the second from March), the brand-new 1.6 l completes the range of engines from FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies – which includes cylinder capacities of 1.3, 1.9 and 2.4 litres. The new engine is the ultimate combination of the successful Multijet turbo diesel and the many benefits (including tax breaks) of the “downsizing” philosophy. The ideal solution, if you want to strike the right balance between respect for the environment and low running costs without giving up on power and elasticity, for true driving pleasure.

Compared to the well-known 1.9 Multijet 120 bhp, the 1.6 Multijet series represents an important step forward, with considerable advantages:
• torque improved by almost 25% (300 Nm at 1500 rpm) and consumption reduced by 8% measured on the NEDC cycle);
• acceleration from 0-100 kph in just 10.5 seconds, while pick-up from 80-120 km/h in 5th gear is almost 4 seconds lower;
• enhanced acoustic comfort with noise values improved by 5%.
What’s more, thanks to the new 1.6 Multijet, the Fiat Bravo has notched up some remarkable records in its category:
• it is the first Euro5-compliant car, well ahead of the legal deadline, and has the lowest HCNOx emissions in its category.
• it is one of the few cars in this power segment with a 6-speed manual gearbox (in both the 105 and 120 bhp versions);
• it has the highest specific torque (i.e. in relation to the displacement), in the power categories up to 200 bhp;
• maximum torque is delivered at lowest revs: just 1500 rpm for an availability of 290 Nm and 300 Nm generated respectively by the 105 bhp and 120 bhp versions;
• this is borne out by the acceleration values, the best among all engines up to 120 bhp;
• it is the only car with 35,000 km service intervals, reducing ordinary maintenance costs by 25% (calculated on distances travelled of 90,000 or 100,000 km, the most frequently used distances in long-term leasing agreements).

In short, the new 1.6 Multijet 16v adds that something extra to a winning model that has once again confirmed Fiat’s global leadership in the field of diesel engines. It must be remembered that the engine has been developed by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, a new division of the Fiat Group responsible for developing, researching, designing and producing engines and gearboxes for all applications: cars, industrial vehicles, boats and agricultural vehicles. With around 19,000 employees, 16 plants and 11 research centres in eight different countries, this division is one of the largest engine manufacturers in the world. Approximately 3000 highly specialised technicians at FPT work exclusively on developing and engineering innovative technologies. More than 40 patents deposited each year are proof of the quality and dedication that make Fiat Powertrain Technologies a centre of technological excellence and non-stop innovation.

Overview

Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the Bravo has a sleek, aggressive line, yet is elegant and compact at the same time. It is 434 cm long, 179 wide and 149 high, with a wheelbase of 260 cm and a load capacity of 400 l, among the best in its class. An embodiment of the great Italian car making tradition, the vehicle’s interior is extremely comfortable, the available space has been used to best effect, and the materials and colour schemes exude quality. All in all, the Fiat Bravo is a beautiful Italian car, both inside and out. It will surprise even the most discerning European customer, and has all the substance of a car that offers outstanding safety, reliability and driving pleasure.

An example? The award of the 5 star Euro NCAP rating, the top score in the passive and active safety tests – thanks to the ultra-resistant body shell, 7 airbags, 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and front head rests with anti-whiplash function. Not forgetting that the new model also uses the most sophisticated electronic control systems such as ABS with EBD, advanced ESP with hill holder, and an anti-slip ASR system. The wide range of engines available makes the Fiat Bravo an even more substantial offer: apart from the new series of petrol T-Jets (1.4 engine, 120 or 150 bhp), there is also a lively 1.4 16v (90 bhp) and turbo diesel common rail Multijet (the brand new 105 or 120 bhp 1.6, and the well-known 1.9 version, 120 or 150 bhp).

Not only safe and fun to drive, the Fiat Bravo also carries the latest technology to ensure onboard comfort and wellbeing. For example, the new-generation “Blue&Me” system - “Blue&Me Nav”, the dual-zone automatic climate control system, two car radios with specific hi-fi systems, well-sized panoramic sunroof, cruise control, rain sensor, parking aid with front and rear sensors, and fog-lights with self-adapting cornering function.

The Fiat Bravo range is extensive and varied, with the 12 elegant liveries and 4 trim levels (Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Sport). Various solutions are available for different markets, all of them offering great value and designed to reflect the many ways of interpreting and using a car. Last but not least, Fiat Bravos sold in Italy come with a 5-year warranty included in the list price: 2 years’ contractual warranty plus 3 years or 120,000 km additional manufacturer’s warranty.

Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet 16v - Technical Specifications / Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet 16v - In Detail