The Fiat Bravo in now on sale in Russia, Fiat's exclusive distributor Severstal Auto announcing that the hatchback is joining an expanding range which already includes the Grande Punto and Croma.

The Fiat Bravo has just gone on sale in Russia, Fiat's exclusive distributor in the country Severstal Auto announcing that the C-segment hatchback is joining an expanding range which includes the Grande Punto and Croma.

The Bravo was launched last January with the intention to return Fiat to the forefront of the important C-segment with a serious contender and replace the unloved Stilo. Since its arrival it has exceeded its pre-launch sales targets and is on sale across Europe as well as several far off destinations including South Africa, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand (in the latter two markets it is sold under the Ritmo name). It is also set to reach South American shores later this year.

In Russia the Bravo joins an expanding Fiat range which is distributed by Severstal Auto, a leading national car maker which also builds the Fiat Albea and Doblò models under licence at the ZMA factory in Naberezhnye Chelny, as well as the Ducato van (X2/44) at Elabuga, a special economic industrial production zone in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Severstal Auto began operations as Fiat importer and distributor for Russia on 1st September 2006. The range available in the dealerships is made up of the imported Panda (including 4x4), Grande Punto (3- and 5-door) and Croma, as well as the locally assembled Albea and Doblò Panorama, and now the Bravo. The light commercial vehicle range comprises of the Doblò Cargo and Ducato.

Initially just the 1400cc turbocharged T-Jet engine is available in the Russian market Bravo, with either 120 bhp or the 150 bhp 'Sport' function, along with the car's full list of optional equipment. The Bravo range pricing in Russia starts at RU 655,000 and rises up to RU 670,000 for the 'Emotion' level version in 150 bhp guise.