Bravo refinement?

[Carl]

I'm after swapping my car (currently a H-reg Rover 214 GSi) and near the top of my list at the moment is a Bravo 1.4 SX.

Can any current owners give their opinions on the noise levels around town and at speed? I won't be revving it at all and I've no interest in making it go fast. I just like the look and feel of it inside and out.

I'd have had a test drive earlier today to find out for myself if the car wasn't tucked right at the back of a garage with two dozen cars needing to be moved by a very unfriendly looking "salesman".

Thanks in advance.

 

[jonathan]

quiet

My 1.6sx is quiet around town, tho a bit of wind noise caused by sunroof at speed. You can hear the engine at all speeds but its not a loud boy racery noise, just makes it sound fairly powerful. A 1.4 might not do this.

Around town the car can judder when setting off if you dont "do it right". Its just a little character of the car that you get used to.

 

[Roberto]

Engine not fit 4 the job

Hi,
I own an HGT but a friend of mine used 2 own a 1.4 and he was always having problems. When i spoke 2 a dealer friend of mine, he told me that the 1.4 unit wasn't really up 2 lugging the car around and was only introduced 2 capture the low end of the market.
I'd exercise caution and maybe look in2 getting at least a 1.6 or above.

Rob.

 

[littlefitzer]

THat is bull****

Hi,
No offence Rob but that is a pile of shite. I happen to own a 1.4 SX, and so does one of my mates, and it's a great little engine in a great car!
There is no problems with the engine size either in town or on a motorway, it comfortably cruises at 80. So Carl, don't mind him - give it a proper test drive and you'll see the truth for yourself!

 

[Roberto]

Calm down, calm down !!!

Calm down dude....
I was simply relaying the thoughts of some1 who owned a 1.4 and the thoughts of an experienced Fiat Sales Director. It's not my opinion as i have never driven the 1.4 version.
If u find the 1.4 good, then that's cool, and like u say, test drive 1 and c 4 urself.

Cheers,

Rob.

 

[littlefitzer]

ammmmm.....

Sorry about that there....just re-read my post and I didn't mean for the tone of it to come across like that!

 

[Mark]

1.2 Engine is up to it.

The 1.2 engine is probably a better bet than the 1.4. It too has 80 BHP but is a 16V compared to the 1.4 12V. It's a very 'fizzy' engine and cruises on the motorway at 80 MPH with no problem. I drove mine to the south of France and it was very comfortable. Just don't expect it to beat many cars from the trafiic lights!

 

[Nigel]

I own a 1.4sx......

I have owned a 1.4sx for about 2 1/2 years and done about 11,000 miles in it. I picked it up with 18,000 on the clock at just 3 years old. Since then I have spent £70 on an MOT's £100 on servicing and just recently £160 on new tyres all round as the originals had started to perish (not wear though!) and thats ALL I have spent on it.

I LOVE it! It is one of the nicest cars I have ever owned. I looks lovelly, drives so smoothly and has only failed to start once, when I left it wothout driving it for about 3 weeks and I left the glovebox open!

Compared with my 155 HGT it is slow but for a 1.4 it is excellent and it is complete rubbish to say the engine isn't up to it. (I would say that about the HGT though!!!!)It's nicer to drive than my HGT and much more comfortable.

On the bad side thing I would say is that fuel consumption is terrible, I know I am a very hard driver but I only get 22mpg out of it but as I don't use it that much it hasn't bothered me. Another thing that causes me irritation is the quality of the plastic [on ALL Bravos] is dire. The slightest knock and it scratches up very badly, especially if you get a darl plastic like I have in my HGT which scratches blue for some reason!

Go drive one in town, around country lanes and on the motorway (mine cruises at 95 with any issues at all) and you will find it copes with everything.

If you want an opinion on any other aspect of the 1.4 just ask.

Cheers

Nige

 

[littlefitzer]

Well said!!!

My sentiments exactly!

 

[Paul]

1.4 SX

Completely second that post. Feel the same about the 1.4 SX. When fully loaded it struggles a bit, but what car wouldn't. Mechanically it's been tough as old boots and only failed to start when someone knocked the fuel cut off switch located under passenger seat.

A fine car, but it is soon to go. Being replaced by a Punto Sporting.

 

[Dave]

Good runner!

I have had my 1.4sx now for 6 months, and i have not had a single problem with it. I recently just took it up to leeds on the weekend, and i was pushing out 100mph the whole way practically. I have to say that the car handles it so well. I even managed 110, and the ride was still so smooth.

I also have to agree that the engine is very quiet when stationary and even when doing town driving. Apart from the poor fuel consumption, it is a really nice car to drive, and it looks good too.

Take one for a drive, and i guarantee you wont be disappointed!!