Published:
26 April 2012Those used to the dull, fragile feeling of Fiat's past will be agreeably surprised by the Bravo’s cabin, which is stylish, attractive and well made.
The main dash is dual-textured, the main occupant-facing section finished with a soft-feel faux carbonfibre material. The wheel is attractively leather-bound, the instruments look classy, the seat trim is attractive and the ambience lifted by tasteful flashes of chrome and piano black. If the lower reaches of the interior are lower grade, the overall effect is nevertheless pleasing and individual.
But while the Bravo’s cabin is spacious, your enjoyment of it may be compromised. The driving position does not suit all. Despite a four-way adjustable wheel, a seat height adjuster and an infinitely adjustable backrest, some testers found themselves endlessly adjusting each in a vain attempt to get comfortable, possibly because the classic Italian ‘short leg, long arm’ stance is forced on you.
There’s disappointment in the rear, too. Under-thigh support is limited because the cushion is mounted too close to the floor, an upshot of the coupé-like roofline. Which is a shame, because knee and foot room aren’t bad, and the seat itself appears well shaped. Less of a compromise is the boot, which is big, well shaped, easy to get at and extendable by folding rear seats that hinge to form a protective bulkhead.
Three key trim levels are currently offered in the UK line-up – Active, Dynamic and Sport – with ABS, air-conditioning, remote central locking, six airbags, electric front windows, a CD player, electric power steering, foglights and follow me home headlamps fitted as standard across all trims. ‘Eco’ badged cars get a set of longer gear ratios and an ECU adjusted to major on low fuel consumption.
