Fiat Bravo Goes to Brazil

The Brazilian market is eager to get closer to the standard of mature markets, with each model launch quickly narrowing the gap. The medium-compact hatch segment, which was poorly represented up until now, has just received a new addition, the Fiat Bravo.

The Ford Focus comes to Brazil from Argentina and will soon be outdated. The VW Golf is two generations behind and so is the Chevrolet Astra. The Citroen C4 hasn't yet received a facelift and Peugeot won't launch the 308 until next year.

With the medium-compact hatchback segment currently dominated by Corollas and Civics, Brazil welcomes the arrival of the new Fiat Bravo. The model was expected to come at the end of last year, but was postponed for financial reasons. Now that the economy is becoming more stable, imports of several components became feasible.

The Bravo replaces the Stilo, which has performed poorly sales-wise. The two models share the same platform, but the Stilo surpasses its predecessor in styling and practicality, with a refined interior, more advanced and powerful engines and more equipment. The standard version comes with front airbags, electronically assisted, adjustable steering and adaptive fog lamps, and is priced at R$55,200 (US $32,000).

Higher equipment levels, such as the Absolute trim, come with tire pressure monitors, front park assist, electric rear view mirrors, GPS navigation with an integrated infotainment system and 6.5 inch screen. ABS is standard for this trim level but is optional for the base model. The Absolute trim level costs R$62,250 (US $36,000). A sporty T-Jet is expected to begin delivery in early 2011 for R$67,700 ($40,000).