HAVING been seriously impressed by the Fiat Grande Punto I was eagerly anticipating my time with the new Fiat Bravo because, on the face of it, they share a lot of DNA.

Certainly in visual terms the two have a lot of similarities - for starters the five-door Bravo is a lot more curvaceous and organic than most of its mainstream rivals, which is very pleasing to the eye.

Its gently sloping bonnet leads down in an unfashionably small chrome rimmed grille framed on either side by large headlights while the rounded rump adds bulk to a vehicle which is actually bigger in the metal than it looks in the photographs.

Fiat give the Focus chasing Bravo a black B pillar which helps to give it more of a coupe appearance which is a nice trick, emphasised by the rising waistline and a feature crease above the door handles.

But then it ruins the good work by designing a large C pillar which restricts rear three-quarter vision and then compounds this problem with a small rear screen.

On range topping Sport versions a racy image is provided by distinctive 15-spoke 17in alloy wheels, red brake calipers, chrome exhaust pipers and a roof spoiler including the brake light.

Part of the rear end that wraps around the elongated taillights forms the wide hatch which leads into a wide and generous 400-litre luggage compartment which is only partly compromised by a high sill to lift items over.

The 60/40 split of the rear seats boosts carrying capacity to a maximum of 1,175 litres with the rear seat squab folding forward to allow the seat backs to fold almost, but not completely, flat.

The versatility adds to the general quality feel of the cabin which is finished in soft touch plastics and a moderate use of chrome trimmings which works well in an understated fashion.

And the red upholstery and detailing included on the Sport model (as tested) looks good without becoming a cliché.

Drivers get an excellent seating position and the controls have a strong positive feel while there is plenty of information being presented from the instrumentation - but it can be difficult to see at times as it lives in a dimly lit housing.

Rear seat occupants are sadly less well provided for and legroom can be tight while the seats themselves are rather thin and unsupportive.

Flagship Sport specification (which is very competitively priced) means the inclusion of items such as; air conditioning, a radio with six-CD player and steering wheel controls, electric front windows and door mirrors, Fiat's detailed information system, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connection.

Fiat has been improving its diesel engines year on year and the latest 150bhp-turbocharged Multijet version that heads-up the Bravo range is one of the best yet. There are only a few initial indications that it actually is a diesel, the start-up knock soon disappears so that it sounds and feels like a petrol unit.

That is until the strong torque (a maximum of 225lb ft which puts it at the top of the class) kicks in to give it a decidedly un-petrol like experience offering a quick take-up in all gears and a rapid response to the throttle.

This is supported by a nice action on the six speed manual transmission which flows through with ease and helps keep the progress going at the same time providing enough flexibility to stretch fuel consumption to over 50 miles to the gallon.

Bravo exudes a lively character and this comes through in the electric assisted power steering which has a nice confident response to input which when combined with a wide stance on the track, provides a confidence inspiring ability to change direction at speed.

Sitting low, the uprated and firmer damped Sport version has signs of roughness due to Fiat installing a slightly ageing combination of MacPherson strut front suspension with a twist bean real axle.

The platform is shared with the previous Stilo which wasn't especially popular and by firming things up for the Sport version Fiat has not done it any great favours.

Some will find that Bravo's reactions aren't as sharp as some of its class leading rivals, but then the Bravo has a more considered approach to life on the road.

Assured braking and control is provided by ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ESP with ASR / MSR and Hill Holder.

Bravo was a car that I really wanted to like just as I do its smaller sibling the Grande Punto.

It looks good, handles moderately well, is sharply priced and has a likeable personality; unfortunately it's also a slightly frustrating car due to the serious problem with rear vision and the slightly cramped cabin.

FACTPACK:

Fiat Bravo 1.9TD 150 Sport

  • Price: £15,995
  • Engine: 1910cc/150bhp
  • Top Speed: 131mph
  • 0-62mph 9 seconds
  • Fuel Consumption: Urban: 37.2mpg
  • Combined: 50.4mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 149g/km
  • Insurance: Group E