Vehicle Segment:
Compact family car (C-segment)
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk3/Mk4, Ford Focus Mk1, Opel Astra G, Renault Mégane I
Design Philosophy:
Stylish Italian design, practicality, and a range of engine options for its class
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform maintenance and repairs efficiently, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services
Mechanics:
Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis
Bodywork:
Chassis, panels, doors, interior trim, body repairs
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim, and related components
Maintenance:
Scheduled servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic strategies
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, clutch adjustments, brake adjustments
Level:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Content Detail:
Detailed schematics, diagrams, torque specifications, tolerances, and troubleshooting flowcharts
Visual Aid Quality:
Hundreds of images and drawings explaining procedures step-by-step
1.4 12V:
Fire engine, 8 valves per cylinder (incorrectly stated as 12V in product info, likely referring to cam phasing on later versions or an error). Likely 1372cc, ~75-85 hp.
1.6 16V:
Torque/16v engine, 1581cc, ~90-103 hp. Notable for its double overhead camshafts.
1.8 16V:
Lampredi designed Twin Cam, 1747cc, ~113-130 hp. Known for sporty performance, especially in the Bravo GT/HGT variants.
1.9 D:
Naturally aspirated diesel engine, 1910cc, ~63-68 hp. Basic, robust diesel powerplant.
1.9 Td75:
Turbocharged diesel, 1910cc, ~75 hp. Common entry-level diesel option.
1.9 Td100:
Turbocharged diesel with intercooler, 1910cc, ~98-101 hp. Offering better performance than the TD75.
1.9 Jtd:
Common Rail Direct Injection diesel, 1910cc, ~105 hp. Significant improvement in fuel efficiency and performance over TD engines.
2.0 20V:
Five-cylinder Twin Cam engine, 1998cc, ~147 hp (non-turbo) and ~155 hp (HGT). Featured Fiat's innovative 5-cylinder configuration for enhanced smoothness and power.
Hp Range:
63 hp (1.9 D) to 155 hp (2.0 20V HGT)
Petrol Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for 16V engines, possibly single-point (SPI) for early 1.4 versions.
Diesel Injection:
Indirect injection (IDI) for 1.9 D, Turbocharged Direct Injection (TD) for TD variants, Common Rail Direct Injection (JTD) for 1.9 JTD.
Euro Ncap Performance:
Generally considered average for its era. Specific ratings vary by test year and equipment. Frontal impact typically rated at 3 stars.
ABS:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher performance models (e.g., HGT) and later production years.
Traction Control:
Rarely fitted, typically only on the highest performance variants.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional/standard on higher trims. Side airbags very rare.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, with CD changer compatibility on higher trims.
Display:
Basic LCD display for radio and clock functions. No advanced screen technology.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trims, particularly with larger engines.
Bluetooth:
Not factory fitted. Aftermarket solutions available.
Manual Air Conditioning:
Optional on most models, manual operation.
Automatic Climate Control:
Very rare, potentially only on limited editions or as an aftermarket upgrade.
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check specific engine variant for precise intervals.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on engine variant and driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial. Generally every 80,000-100,000 km or 5 years for most petrol and TD engines. JTD engines use a timing chain. Crucial to confirm with manual due to catastrophic engine damage if it fails.
Engine Oil Petrol Multi Grade:
API SG or higher, ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40, depending on climate and engine. Manual will specify exact OEM recommendation.
Engine Oil Diesel Multi Grade:
API CF/CF-4 or higher, ACEA B2/B3. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40. JTD engines may require lower viscosity, e.g., 5W-40 Low SAPS oil.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50% concentration with distilled water. Fiat recommended 'Paraflu UP' or equivalent. Purple or blue colour.
Transmission Oil Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Exact capacity varies by gearbox type.
Power Steering Fluid:
Typically Dexron II or III compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF), or specific Fiat fluid.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common in older Fiats; wiring harnesses, connectors, and ECUs can be susceptible to corrosion and failure.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components like ball joints and drop links can wear prematurely due to road conditions.
Diesel Glow Plugs:
Glow plugs and associated wiring can fail on diesel models, leading to difficult cold starts.
Timing Belt Failure:
A critical issue; adherence to replacement intervals is paramount to avoid severe engine damage.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
Typical for vehicles of this age and era, particularly in regions with road salt.
Fiat History Context:
Fiat has a long history in producing popular compact and family cars, with the Bravo/Brava aiming to capture a significant share of the European C-segment market.
Design Inspiration:
Designed by Fiat's Centro Stile, with distinct styling for Bravo (sportier) and Brava (more practical/family-oriented) versions, though sharing many components.
Facelifts:
Received a mild facelift in 1998, with minor styling tweaks and interior improvements.
Manufacturing Location:
Primary production in Italy (e.g., Cassino plant).
Sales Performance:
Moderately successful, but faced strong competition. Known for good value and strong engine options, particularly the diesel and sporty petrol variants.
