| Fiat has previewed its Stilo replacement ahead of its public debut in early 2007. Reviving the Bravo name for its new C-segment car, Fiat must be hoping that the new car is more successful that its predecessor in this, Europe ’s most important market. The new Bravo is also the first Fiat to wear the new corporate logo.
On paper, the omens are good. The styling echoes that of the recent Grande Punto and is far more adventurous than that of the Stilo, whose sales performance has been, one Fiat spokesman conceded, “disappointing.” Some trim/specification levels will feature the ‘Blue&Me’ voice actuated control system for phones and MP3 audio.
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Engines include the Fiat’s excellent 120bhp and 150bhp 1.9 litre MultiJet diesels with and a new 1.4 litre turbocharged T-JET petrol engine, also available with120bhp and 150bhp (89/112kW).
This follows the recent introduction by VW and Renault of downsized gasoline engines which retain the performance of larger displacement units but with considerably reduced fuel consumption and correspondingly lower CO2 emissions.
Transmissions will be five and six speed manuals, and suspension will be a “heavily redeveloped” version of the Stilo’s front strut/rear torsion beam arrangement.
The new Bravo is built in Fiat Auto’s Piedimonte S. Germano plant in Frosinone, which currently produces the Stilo and the Croma. |
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