Italians-automobiles definitely cannot count on adventures in Russia. In any case, our fellow citizens prefer human collisions on the TV screen of Italian-made cars on their roads. Therefore, the Fiat Bravo / Brava pair recognized in Europe, who, according to experts, shared the title "Best Car" in 1996, practically did not take root in Russia. However, having held out for five years on the conveyors of the Italian car industry, this dualistic model deserves attention - at least to know how much we have lost by ignoring the hot Italians.
Despite the fact that both modifications are mentioned almost exclusively in conjunction, there is still a difference between them. Bravo is a three-door hatchback, while Brava is a five-door. The concept is not so simple - the first one turned out to be masculine, as conceived by engineers and marketers, the second option was feminine: such a game with Italian grammar. Naturally, this does not allow judging the buying audience of the car, however, the exterior features slightly hint at gender preferences, albeit quite transparently. Such is the implementation of the principles of "yin and yang" in a European way. Apart from the body and design refinements, both modifications are identical in technical characteristics.
Regarding the appearance of Fiat Brava and Bravo, it is worth noting that the model looks quite modern, despite a significant number of "lived years". Naturally, the fashion of more than fifteen years ago still brings its character, therefore the “natural” style (or “bio”) is felt very clearly: in smooth lines, the absence of sharp corners and thin edges, solidity and rounded shapes.
If from the front both modifications are similar, like twins, then from the back the differences are cardinal. Firstly, the shape of the rear optics, due to which Fiat Brava (namely) is paid attention to today - narrow horizontal, located one above the other, lanterns. Fiat Bravo is much less original in this respect - the taillights are almost triangular in shape. The Fiat Brava C-pillars are thin and the body line is heavily sloped. Fiat Bravo, on the other hand, practically copies the Volkswagen Golf with a vertical body line and massive struts - remember the play on words in the names and gender definitions of models.
Yes, the main feature of both Italians is the body with galvanizing, and quite high quality. For the Russian car market, this pair was also additionally adapted, enhancing the anti-corrosion properties. This prudence was not immediately appreciated at its true worth, but the secondary market (after a dozen years) could not boast of the quality of the bodywork.
The Fiat Brava / Bravo interior still matches the "bioforms". Of course, by modern standards, the salon looks modest, if not poor. Making a discount for age is quite an interesting design, materials of good quality, plastic is not cheap. There is quite a lot of space inside a couple of Italians, the back row of passenger seats can be occupied by three of us, even if these three are quite large. The trunk volume is decent - 380 liters, with the seats folded down - up to 1165 liters. Typical golf class city car. The exclusive features of the interior design can be attributed only to the proprietary Blaupunkt radio tape recorder - its more than original form allowed many then to consider it additional protection against theft: it is simply impossible to use the device to complete another car. And, of course, the dashboard, smoothly turning into the console, attracted attention - the interior does not contain more memorable features. It is more difficult with the build quality - not only does the noise of the suspension serve as a lounge in the cabin, but also the rattling of poorly fitted parts, loose doors, and fittings creates an additional symphony of sounds. In a word, the Fiat Brava / Bravo 182 will not seem to be a haven of silence.
The equipment of the Italian couple, even through the prism of seventeen years, inspires respect. The base unit at the time of sales contained GRU, air conditioning, driver airbags, power accessories, immobilizer, central locking, radio tape recorder, electrically adjustable heated mirrors, rear window washer, fog lights. It is quite a serious set that allows you to make your choice in favor of the Italians, given that the golf class is equipped with minimalist by default.
As for the technical characteristics and the chassis, in this respect, the Fiat Bravo / Brava 182 looks prosaic. True, many engines were proposed for the model: six gasoline and three diesel, the latter including two turbocharged ones. In Russia, however, diesels did not take root, as well as the powerful two-liter five-cylinder Lancia Kappa with 147 hp. The latter was an exceptionally expensive pleasure, and also with an excellent appetite. It is worth noting that the economy version of the 1.4-liter engine with a capacity of 75 hp. was not popular with us. And here are the 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines, pulling 103 and 113 hp. accordingly, Fiat Brava & Bravo became the best solution for Russian owners. The transmission to the Italians was installed with a five-speed manual, and only to order in isolated cases in Russia - a four-speed automatic. The suspension, like almost any car from the Apennines, is a little harsh for our roads - gas-filled shock absorbers are not the last reason. And the braking system deserves a positive assessment - front disc and mainly rear drum (option - disc) are quite reliable, especially when combined with an amplifier.
Thus, our historical retrospection about Fiat Brava / Bravo 182 looks like this: the car attracts with its appearance and excellent bodywork, it is wonderfully equipped, it gives the possibility of a wide choice of engines. However, it does not differ in reliability and comfort, the suspension is stiff, the interior materials and build quality are of a low level, the noise insulation of the cabin is minimal. Today, of course, a pair from Fiat can only be found in the secondary market, and, despite many complaints about the chassis, it is still attractive: at least because of the galvanized body, which was not afraid of time.
