1998 Fiat Bravo HGT 2.0 20v
Summary:
Fast beating car
Faults:
A tube was cut off which caused the motor gasket to break. I tried to fix it, but after two days something had gone wrong with the engine, and it needed replacement. Dealer's fault. That's the only problem that made me sell the car.
General Comments:
This was the best car I ever had. I now own a new Grand Cherokee.
The Bravo I had was well performing. It beat all other HGTs. It also beat the new 155 20v Bravo2.
I think this car is the best in its class. I beat the Golf3 VR6, but it was very close. I beat the Saxo VTS very easily. I beat a Xsara VTS, BMW 325, Punto HGT, all Golf GTIs, and the most difficult race was with the Clio RS phase 2 that took off in first and second gear like a bomb, but the Bravo managed to reach it by the end of fourth gear.
I only raced on highways, but never on urban roads, because the Bravo sucks and costs thousands just to change the timing belt.
I wanted to race the best car in the class; the Honda Type R, but I never met one before I sold my Bravo. I miss my Bravo.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st March, 2007
2nd Apr 2007, 16:50
I had my Bravo HGT since February 2000.
Like first comments posted this car is not the one to use as in town racer given it has a very long legged 3th gear.
Driving very winded alpine roads you need to ease down abit entering curves because the HGT is heavy in front balance, this because of the very large engine, it makes it more under steering versa lighter Bravo models.
This is the very best car I ever have had, I drive it on Norwegian alpine roads as much as highways and autobahn.
The only place the Bravo HGT misfit is in town traffic, still it is fast enough in town to keep the pace between the light crossing intersections ;-).
The best thing is the HGT Bravo rear wagon (suspension and springs)
If you ever have any routine to make you stay calm when setting a car into "edge" of grip, the Bravo rear wagon is a very nice balanced setup.
Or better said PERFECT! :-O.
And this is maybe the reason why it feels so under steering when driving it "below" it's real limits.
I use default rims 15" 55/195 rubber
Green sports air-filter
Super-sprint exhaust all parts with street legal Cat replacer.
And I cannot sell it away because I like it so much.
There is 1 major drawback with it tho;
The belt needs replacement after only 36000 Km or maximum 3 years, and it includes a full engine out job.
Else, it's steady as mountains!