Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £13,255 to £17,650
Smooth, willing and flexible 1.6 diesel engines, good economy.
Uninspiring handling, patchy interior, lack of steering feel, low-speed ride.
This 1.6 diesel engine is one of the best options in the Bravo range - though the low-emissions 105bhp version is better still.
With struts upfront and a basic torsion beam at the rear, the Bravo compares unfavourably with the more exotic (for which read expensive) independent rear suspension arrangements of the Focus and Golf. Through tightening bends, the Bravo is less accomplished than its class-leading rivals, but it's not bad and never less than safe and secure.
It's only when you push on further that the Fiat lacks the finesse that comes as standard with a Focus. Carry too much speed into a bend and the nose breaks free of its purchase of the tarmac: lifting off the throttle does little to alter the balance.
So-so handling aside, you'll have few complaints about the 1.6-litre engine. Apart from the usual typical diesel soundtrack at idle, the 1.6-litre offers fine refinement levels and settles down at speed. It accelerates 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds; the maximum 221lb-ft of torque is delivered at just 1,500rpm. Despite this, the engine does feel a little breathless lower down the rev range, ensuring the six-speed gearbox gets plenty of attention from the driver.
