A Note From The Editor On Our Most Recent Review

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Today’s review of the Fiat Bravo is more than just a unique look at a European-market vehicle that will never be sold in the United States: it’s an( other) early look at the future of Chrysler. Sergio Marchionne has called the C and D segments “critical” for US-market success, and the C-Evo platform that lies beneath the Fiat Bravo tested today, will form the basis for planned 2012 replacements to the Caliber and PT Cruiser and possibly the re-launched Sebring and Avenger (reportedly in stretched form). Indeed, the Lancia-trimmed version, known as the Delta, was shown at the Detroit Auto Show in Chrysler-brand drag, apparently to prove how easy these rebadges will be. As cynical as this might seem, Mr Bronfer’s relatively positive review leaves little doubt that Fiat’s got more to offer the C and D segments than the aging, neglected Mitsubishi platform that currently underpins Chrysler’s offerings in these classes. In that sense, this is some of the most positive news we’ve heard about Chrysler’s future in a while.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Dignotov Dignotov on Feb 03, 2010

    Having learned how to drive on a mid 70's Fiat 131 sedan, I for one am waiting patiently to see if Fiat/Chrysler would offer something similar (updated of course)in the US. And if they throw in the lady standing next to the car in the photo, I'm in!

  • Martin Schwoerer Martin Schwoerer on Feb 03, 2010

    Oh my. I haven't driven the Bravo. But it might be worth mentioning that just about everybody from the press who has says it sucks? Impossible driving position, lifeless steering, low visibility, bad ride comfort when equipped with 18" wheels. And standard bad Fiat reliability. They say the 150HP engine sparkles, as many from Fiat and Alfa Romeo do, right until the timing belt snaps before its time. Methinks TTAC is being too generous here.

    • See 1 previous
    • FromBrazil FromBrazil on Feb 05, 2010

      Hello Mr. Martin Schwoerer! Don't recall Mr Clarkson calling it that bad! IIRCC he grudgingly liked it. C'mon the Golf is a tired design, the Focus a Peugeot look-alike, the Peugeot is old, the Citroen has that weird middle placement of instruments, the Mégane has appeared in final form?, the Astra do I need to say something? In this class, the design is special. The transmission is livable and you can always get a manual. The drivability is entertaining. The price is fair as is the insurance. What's not to like? Down here we just replace the timing belt a couple of thousand miles before the manual tells you to and all is good (tongue in cheek)! I mean, you learn to live w/ the brand's idiosyncracies and enjoy something not every other driver is driving. I like Fiat. I wish it well. It's factory is located in my home state and is crucial to our economy. And it ain't that bad! Besides, I have a thing for the underdog. BTW go Saints!!

  • Mtypex Mtypex on Feb 03, 2010

    I am much more interested in the possibility of seeing PSA-Mitsubishis than Fiatslers. I think you'd have to be Lee Iacocca or Lady Gaga to care about the Fiat-Chrysler hatchbacks.

  • Threeer Threeer on Feb 03, 2010

    As much as I have longed to see more European vehicles sold here in the States (oh, please VW...bring us an un-watered down Polo 5 door...mit Diesel und Ganggetrieb), I have to agree with most everybody else here. Small cars (even more so when sold at a premium) don't play well on our roads. Refrigerator-bland cars such as the Camry and Accord do. Unless Chrysler wishes to become a niche player (and I suppose they could as long as they turned a profit on each vehicle sold), simply selling rebadged Fiats here won't do much to reverse the downward spiral they continue to be on.

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