The Fiat Bravo has just arrived in Brazil for its first testing and evaluation ahead of the range's introduction into the South American country which could come as early as the end of this year.

The Fiat Bravo has arrived in Brazil for its first evaluation tests ahead of its introduction into the South American country which could come as early as the end of this year.

The photos of the two Bravo models were taken in the Airport of Cumbica in the city of São Paulo, and the cars are now destined to be taken to the Fiat facility in Betim where Research & Development takes place as well as manufacturing. The photos are courtesy of a member of Clube Stilo, the Brazilian enthusiasts' club dedicated to the Fiat Stilo.

According to the member of Clube Stilo who took the photos the Digital Grey finished Bravo was fitted with 17- inch wheels and the higher European market specification 'Emotion' (Dynamic in the UK) trim package; while the Maranello Red painted model had 18-inch inch wheels was in 'Sport' trim. Revealing that both were fitted with the new 1.4-litre T-jet engine, the button marked 'Sport' was visible on the dashboards as well as twin exhaust exits.

The 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, currently available in 120 bhp and 150 bhp versions in the Bravo as well as 120 bhp in the Grande Punto, in Europe is eagerly awaited by the media in Brazil where Fiat is presently addressing its mid-size engine line-up. These will form the main thrust of the Bravo range when it arrives in Brazil, particularly so as diesel engines are not permitted on the market.

As the number one car manufacturer in Brazil, with a quarter market share, Fiat is looking to leverage its position by targeting the premium segment and bring the Bravo to Latin America is a key part of this strategy. The 1.4 T-Jet engine is also now being evaluated for the Linea (C-segment 3-box saloon) which is also due on the Brazilian market.

A comprehensive survey recently carried out online by Italiaspeed Brazil (www.italiaspeed.com.br) revealed that Brazilian car buyers demonstrated a clear preference for the Bravo range amongst Fiat models not presently manufactured or sold on the market, coming out ahead of the Panda, Croma, Sedici and the Car of the Year winning 500.

by Claudio Perlini