Fiat Bravo goes Eco

Introduction

Fiat is already the lowest polluting car company in Europe if you take an average of all the cars in its range, so the Bravo Eco is a further step along the green route for the Italian firm. It's looking to take on the like of the Ford Focus ECOnetic and Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion with a combination of similar economy, emissions, and a strong package of low cost, long warranty and plenty of standard equipment.

What is it?

The Bravo Eco is Fiat's contender for the low emissions, high economy crown and a viable alternative to the more expensive Toyota Prius hybrid. By making the most of its turbodiesel engine's economy, lowering emissions by making changes to the engine's electronic brain and honing the aerodynamics, Fiat has come up with an enticing package. It makes sense for those not ready to make the jump into an expensive hybrid and is every bit as day-to-day practical as any other version of the Bravo. So, that means it's a family-friendly five-door hatch with spacious cabin, decent build quality and plenty of standard kit in either Active or Dynamic trims.

There's nothing cutting edge about the engine design, though Fiat has used the latest technologies to make the most of what it already had. The Eco also uses standard diesel, so no worries about where to fill up. In fact, the Bravo Eco is a very undemanding way of saving fuel while continuing to drive an attractively styled small hatchback.

How does it drive?

Fiat may have tweaked the engine to get carbon dioxide emissions under the magic 120g/km mark, but it has not strangled the Bravo's 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine in the process. It has the same 214lb.ft of low rev shove that peaks at just 2,000rpm to make it feel flexible and punchy for a small capacity engine. It's also much smoother and more willing to rev than its 1.9-litre turbodiesel cousin. This all combines to make the Bravo a decent small diesel hatch choice that requires no compromise on the part of the driver to achieve low emissions and decent economy. It may need a light right foot to get near the 62.8mpg combined economy in normal mixed driving conditions, but it's easy to exceed this figure when cruising on the motorway.

Changes to the gearing and engine electronics, low rolling resistance tyres and revised aerodynamics that see the Bravo Eco sitting 10mm lower are about the only differences the Eco buyer will notice. The Bravo Eco is just as quick from 0-62mph as the standard 1.6-litre turbodiesel, yet it returns 5mpg better economy. Like all Bravos, the Eco handles nimbly, keeps noise at a distance and has a compliant ride, though the steering misses the direct communication of a Ford Focus's. Even so, the Bravo has a stylish, spacious interior and all models come well equipped.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

Fiat's Bravo Eco is a low emissions version of the 103bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel model that's already on sale. It cuts carbon dioxide emissions to 119g/km, which reduces road tax to £35 in 2008 and just £30 in 2009 when tax bandings change to encourage more environmentally responsible cars. On top of this, the Bravo Eco turns in 62.8mpg combined economy, so it's definitely up there with current contenders in the planet hugger movement.

Verdict

Fiat is back doing what it does best: building great small cars at affordable prices. The Bravo Eco is truly in this mould and impresses with its easy driving manners, low running costs that have implications well into the future, and decent equipment. It also shows you can drive a good looking car while doing your bit for the planet. It may not be as sharp a drive as the Ford Focus ECOnetic, but the Bravo Eco is an attractive option thanks to its lower entry price and attractive buying package.

Alisdair Suttie

Wednesday June 11