Roadtest by Nick Fletcher:

IT has been 18 months since Fiat launched its Bravo and brava models in the UK and the cars certainly have made a big impact.

Stylish television advertising initially drew public attention to the cars and since that time, their sleek high-image shape has won many converts.

The Bravo is a three-door hatchback model but it was a five-door Brava that I tested recently, the 100TD SX model priced ont he road at £13,290.

When you look at the specification, it's a car that shouts out value for money. You get as standard an immobiliser, electric sunroof, power steering, central locking, driver's airbag, electric front windows and door mirrors, radio cassette player and split fold rear seat.

The Brava has a very potent street image, with lots of nice and rather classy detailed touches, such as the gemstone rear lights which are separate rather than in the normal cluster.

The interior is user friendly, very comfortable, with good seating and an excellent driving position. Unlike Fiats of old, the facia layout is neat and simple with excellent placement of instruments and switchgeat.

It is a car you feel very much at home with right away.

This diesel model has a 1910cc 100bhp engine, good for 112 mph. The 0-60mph time of just 11 seconds is pretty nippy even by turbo diesel standards.

Fuel consumption ranges from 32-53mpg and most drivers are going to get an average of around 42mpg.

When you move off, you notice the rather sharp and responsive driving feel that this Brava gives, allowing you to feel totally in control at all times.

There's good road feel through power steering, the brakes offer excellent stopping power and the ride quality is in m,y view beyond reproach. Even when it is husted, the Brava retains its composure and has very good assured handling characteristics.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.