It appears we’ll be getting the Aussie “Ritmo” name for the New Fiat Bravo. Fiat can’t use Bravo in Australia due to existing use by Mazda (for a Ute!). Until recently the Fiat NZ website used “Bravo” but I just noticed it’s changed to “Ritmo”.
The old branding can still be seen in the permalinks as you can register your interest in a “Ritmo” on the Fiat NZ site. The URL is http://www.fiatbravo.co.nz/ (from the front page) or http://www.ritmo.co.nz/ (from the future models page).
It’s not the first time the Ritmo name has been seen here. The 128 replacement of the late 70’s was first imported as a Ritmo, later changing to match the U.K. “Strada” branding. I even remember seeing the Ritmo 105TC (right) but not the first generation Ritmo Abarth 125TC. The later Strada Abarth 130TC was sold here.
There was another Kiwi Ritmo connection. I remember visiting an engineering trade show, with my Dad, and they had a huge plastic molding machine making the distinctive plastic bug eye Ritmo “nose” as a demonstration. How that ended up in New Zealand I’ll never know!
1970's 105TC Ritmo photo courtesy http://strada130.comFiat Ritmo - The model in brief | Fiat New Zealand Showroom
The new Fiat Ritmo is a perfect balance of Beauty and Substance, another milestone in the process to update the brand’s product range…