Fiat is celebrating the first ten months since the launch of the new Bravo models – by expanding the range.
The new Euro 5-compliant 1.6 MultiJet-engined cars boast fuel economy of
up to 62.7mpg on the combined cycle and low CO2 emissions, starting at just 119g/km.
Andrew Humberstone, managing director of Fiat Group Automobiles UK, said: "The Bravo was a new beginning for Fiat when we launched it last year, and immediately we could see the way it was turning heads and impressing customers and industry commentators.
The new multijet models add optimised aerodynamics, lower rolling
resistance tyres and ‘taller’ gears to help return its outstanding fuel
economy figures, in addition to the Bravo’s existing feature such as
power steering, air conditioning, ABS anti-lock brakes and electric windows plus driver, passenger and side airbags.
Fiat has welcomed the announcement by London mayor Ken Livingstone of new exemptions from his congestion charge.
The £17 fee for driving in central London has been one of the most controversial measures introduced by the mayor.
It is designed to cut traffic, protect the local environment and raise money for other transport projects.
The decision yesterday to exempt cars in vehicle excise duty (VED) bands A and B from the charge means a number of drivers will now make a saving.
Models from Fiat’s Bravo, Grande Punto, Panda and new 500 ranges are clean enough to pass the new requirements, prompting marketing director Elena Bernadelli to say: "New rules enable our customers to save money as well as feel better about our environment."
Citroen also came out in support of the move, announcing that it offers 23 models that are now exempt from the congestion charge. Renault said its customers would have 31 models to choose from.
Seat’s new Ibiza Ecomotive and Leon Ecomotive will also be congestion charge free, along with the BMW 118d three and five-door, the Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper D Clubman.
While cleaner vehicles will not have to pay to drive in central London, the biggest polluters will now face a £25 fee.
Fiat has entered the green car market with the new 1.6 MultiJet 16v diesel engine unit which is fitted to the Bravo range.
The Euro 5-compliant engine is well ahead of the 2009 deadline.
Fiat Group CEO, Sergio Marchionne, pledged last year: "Regardless of what other car makers will do, our Group is committed, by 2012, to reaching the lowest weighted average CO2 emission level for the cars it produces."
The Fiat Bravo models fitted with the multiJet engine also optimise aerodynamics, incorporate low rolling resistance tyres and ‘taller’ gear ratios to maximise fuel consumption.
The latest engine addition to the mid-size Fiat Bravo range is as good as anything else on the market, the company has claimed.
Its 120 bhp version of the 1.7 T-Jet beats off competition from similar vehicles such as the Peugeot 308 and Renault Megane, it added.
On the market from the end of the month from £12,895, the model is also significant in that it competes with the larger Ford Focus and Seat Leon models.
Andy Rowe, commercial director at Fiat Group Automobiles UK, commented that the vehicle has everything a consumer could want.
He said: "As well as very competitive pricing, the new engine version beats all our main rivals as a complete package, being on a par with the best of emissions, fuel consumption and power output."
Meanwhile, the company has revealed that it is to relaunch its Abarth marque in the UK next summer.
Fiat has launched its latest model, the Bravo, in the UK with a star-studded bash at the Roundhouse in Camden.
Giulio Salomone, managing director of Fiat UK, attended the party and was joined by celebrities including Jade Jagger, Tamara Beckwith, ex-Chelsea footballer Gianluca Vialli and Italian ambassador Giancarlo Aragona.
The new Fiat Bravo was described as "the undisputed star of the show", however, with its "unmistakably Italian" exterior.
A choice of engines ranging up to 150bhp in power is available in the new range, reportedly offering low fuel consumption, low emissions and "outstanding" performance.
The car also has a range of technological features and a five-star Euro NCap safety rating for adult occupant protection.
In the past two years, Fiat’s share of the market has more than doubled and it is looking to expand further with the opening of a new central London showroom before the end of the year.
The new Fiat Bravo will go on sale in Britain on June 30th.
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