View more images of the Fiat Bravo Eco

A model which emits less than 120g/km of CO2 is this season's must-have accessory.

Ford, BMW, Volkswagen and Seat have all raced to tweak existing versions of their small family hatchbacks to fall into tax band B, which costs just £35 a year.

And under current plans, they'll be exempt from the London Congestion Charge too.

But Fiat, unlike its rivals, hasn't put a separate green model on sale, rather launched an 'Eco' pack which can be specified with the 105bhp version of the Fiat Bravo 1.6 MultiJet.

Stuart Milne took to the roads around picturesque Henley-on-Thames to put the Fiat Bravo Eco through its paces.

In climate where fuel prices have rocketed and CO2 emissions are automotive buzzwords, it seems strange the seemingly standard Fiat Bravo we're sitting in doesn't wear its eco-credentials on its sleeve.

Volkswagen has its BlueMotion range, while Seat, Ford and BMW have their Ecomotive, ECOnetic and EfficientDynamics models.

That's because this particular green Fiat Bravo isn't a standalone model in the range, more a standard 1.6 16v MultiJet 105 specified with the Eco pack.

The Eco pack, which is only available with the 105bhp version of Fiat's impressive 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel, comprises of revised engine computer settings, aerodynamic body trims, longer gear ratios and low rolling-resistance tyres.

These longer gear ratios mean the Bravo can travel at speed without the engine working hard, while the low rolling-resistance tyres mean less energy is required to turn them round.

These changes add up to some impressive green figures. It'll cover an average of 62.8mpg – 5mpg more than the non-Eco version – while emitting 119g/km of CO2; ten less than the standard car.

And by driving gently to conserve fuel, we managed to average an excellent 70mpg over a 40 mile stage of our test route along winding (and traffic-free) country lanes.

70mpg is possible

But if all this sounds a lot of hot air to make a small impact on the environment, remember the Eco pack costs just £295; a drop in the ocean on a £14,000 car.

And under the current tax system, the Eco pack will save £85 this year, and £60 a year between 2009 and 2011. In four years, it will have almost paid for itself – and that's not including the savings through reduced fuel consumption.

Out on the road, the Fiat Bravo Eco reveals itself as a more complete frugal car than the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion. That model feels rough and unrefined with its dated engine.

But the Fiat's engine is gutsy and refined and its 214lb/ft of pulling power means there's plenty of oomph when exiting corners or overtaking – a complete contrast with the VW.

Fiat claims the Bravo 1.6 MultiJet can reach 62mph from standstill in 11.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 116mph irrespective of whether it's fitted with the Eco pack. Acceleration certainly feels brisk, but care needs to be taken to ensure the correct gear is chosen, as the peaky nature of the Bravo's power delivery means it can be caught 'off the boil' with no real acceleration.

Fortunately, the slick six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use.

View more images of the Fiat Bravo Eco

Cosseting ride

The Bravo feels composed on the move, free from excessive bodyroll while still riding over bumps smoothly. The steering is light – too light to offer class-leading levels of feedback – and Fiat has developed a 'City' mode which lightens the steering further to aid low-speed manoeuvres at the touch of a button.

Step inside the stylish Bravo hatchback, and the occupants are presented with a beautifully-designed cabin. Elegant red illuminations beam from the chic black and charcoal grey centre console, while the upper facing of the dash is cloaked in check patterned plastic reminiscent of classy carbon fibre.

Sadly cabin space isn't as plentiful as its rivals – the front occupants sit close together, and legroom in the rear is limited, although there is a good amount of headroom.

A 365-litre boot is about average for this type of car, although there's a high lip to negotiate luggage over.

Safe and well-equipped

Equipment levels are good, with the Active model we tested featuring air-con, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows and mirrors, 'follow-me-home' headlights.

The Dynamic trim – the only other available with the Eco pack – adds electric rear windows, dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloys and clever Fiat/Microsoft-developed Blue&Me phone and MP3 player integration.

The Fiat Bravo scored a full five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash test programme, and every model from the Active – the second in a five-strong line-up – features driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution as standard.

So in a market which is increasingly affected by environmental and economic pressures, is the Fiat Bravo Eco a worthwhile alternative to the ubiquitous Focus/Golf/Astra trinity?

The answer is a resounding yes – what it lacks in interior space it more than makes up for with style, refinement and ability.

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Fiat Bravo video

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