Fiat Bravo 2007-2014 verdict

The Fiat Bravo is a stylish Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf rival – but style alone is not enough for us to recommend it. Nor, indeed, is the fact that it offers good value, a reasonably attractive interior and decent standard equipment levels, as well as a range of appealing engines.

The negatives are simply too big and too numerous to make the Bravo standout from the multitude of family hatchback opposition. The first thing anyone getting behind the wheel will notice is the odd driving position.

Get more for your money with a Bravo, but haggle well and watch the depreciation

Matt Prior

Editor-at-large

Then they’ll look out the back window and realize visibility is poor. For these reasons alone, this is a car that you simply must try – extensively – before you buy.

Then there is the chassis to consider, which – while decent enough – is not as accomplished as the class best. The ride and handling combination is reasonable but far from outstanding, as with the best cars in the class.

Depreciation, too, can be substantial. But nothing obscures the fact that Bravo is a decent car with a smaller asking price and larger kit list than most rivals.

It deserves serious consideration.