General Bravo 165 sport

[texel burger]

Hi new member here,been thinking for a while about changing my beloved Alfa for the latest Bravo sport.Her indoors works at the local hospital where parking is at a premium and finds the 156 a bit too big,so we have decided to downsize slightly for a hatchback. The Mito looks great but is maybe a little small and the launch of the Bravo based 149 has been delayed so we decided to look at the bravo. With no local dealer in the county we"ve yet to try one out, so my question to all you owners is (after reading all the reviews) the driving position uncomfortable for some people as has been suggested ? Also is the lack of a clutch pedal footrest a problem or do you become used to it after a while ? Oh aand for the record i"m a 6ft 2ins tall and 15 st ex rugby player,could this size affect me getting comfy in the drivers seat? Thanks in anticipation.

 

[PROV]

We have a 156 and a Bravo. The Bravo isnt much smaller than the Alfa, though it is easier to manouvre. (though thats not saying much )

I am 5 11 and find the Bravo seat position fine.

The lack of clutch rest is weird at first but I got used to it pretty quickly.

Are you looking at a new one or used? If used or nearly new then try Fiats new direct website they seem to have bargains there.

 

[texel burger]

I think,perhaps, its the steering lock rather than size on the 156 making it a camel when it comes to manouvreing. Prefer to look for nearly new as there are savings to be made but might have to be patient to find the spec were looking for ie leather seats, parking sensors etc. Have looked on Fiat direct,but nothing on their at the moment . The new 2L mjet does sound excellent with its performance,economy and emissions.

 

[rambyuk]

The 2.0 engine is superb Texel, pulls like a train and is punchy so fun. Build quality is ok, looks are top notch. The seats are very comfy on the sport model - better thigh support. Being an ex Alfa owner myself, I know their seats are great. Don't be put off by the lack of footrest, it's not that bad. Also the central console doesn't bang into your left leg as much as a lot of modern cars, but the big centre bit is there.

The Bravo is chubbier though:

length/width/height 4336/1792/1498mm - Bravo
length/width/height 4430/1745/1415mm - 156

 

[JFL]

im 5.11

but 9 stone so im hardly big

but i find the bravo goes a really comfy seating position and my gangly legs fit in it perfectly

the rear screen is rather small though...

ive got the 150mj and that pulls like a wild thing so i can only imagine what the 165 is like :devil:

 

[Peerzy]

Please don't buy a car just because it's 10cm shorter and will be easier to park. Thats nearly as stupid as spending £10k on a car to save £80 a year on tax.

By all means buy a Bravo as they are brilliant cars, but it would be a total waste of money to do it just to make parking easier.

 

[wegi]

I second what Peerzy said.

It's nicer looking than the Alfa, but if parking is all you're bothered about... just choose bigger parking spaces!!

 

[texel burger]

Thanks for your replies.Im not looking to buy it just for ease of parking although it is a factor. My wife has a annual parking space at the hospital reserved which needs a fair bit of manouvreing to get into.I have admired the Bravo for some time now ,the looks,style and performance being the main reason . Perhaps i didnt explain this properly,apologies. Anyone bought a bravo through one of the internet car companies as one with our required spec could mean a saving of approx £4000, and if so ,did it all go smoothly?

 

[Walibe]

I know a few people who have used buyacar which is good but also remember alot of dealers can often match if not sometimes beat the price of the broker with these cars. After all most are supplied via dealers anyway.

Hope thats helps,

PJ

 

[PROV]

I got a price from Fiatsupasaver and then went to my dealer, who although couldnt match it got pretty close, so I went with them. There are large discounts to be had from almost all dealers.

 

[agdm71]

definately take the Bravo out for a long test drive. I have just spent a week on the awful Hereford roads in my TJet 150 Sport with 18"ers and I must say the ride on poor surfaces can get a bit tiresome. Other than that, the car is fantastic; just make sure you get one with parking sensors otherswise you may as well keep the Alfa and to hell with the dents and pranks. ps I got my local dealer to beat internet prices.

 

[texel burger]

Yes the country roads of Hereford can be quite shocking! Think i will contact our nearest dealer which is one of two, Vickers in Shrewsbury, or L C motors in Cwmbran and arrange a test drive just to check out the driving position etc and take it from there. Thanks to every body for their replies and will let you all know out decision.