The Bravo HGT time warp - from the Web wayback machine

I found this, admittedly PR, description from the Fiat NZ website in 2000 thanks to the Wayback Machine Web Archive.

http://web.archive.org/web/20001204161700/http://www.fiat.co.nz/

The hot hatch scene is about to get a luxury shock. While most hot hatches are merely standard hatches with larger engines, the Fiat Bravo HGT features all the bells and whistles you would expect in a luxury car.

Full leather interior, air conditioning, dual and side airbags, power windows, and remote central locking with alarm are all standard on the HGT. But don't make the mistake that the Bravo HGT has gone soft, for between the wider than standard front wheel arches lies the naturally aspirated 2.0 litre 20 valve engine from the Fiat Coupe 20V, introduced in New Zealand in 1997.

Also standard on the Bravo HGT are unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 tyres, up-rated chassis, and sports suspension.

The engine develops a healthy 113kW of power, but it's the five-cylinder layout that gives the Bravo HGT such impressive mid range torque. The run from 0 to 100km/h takes just 8.5 seconds, and - well away from public roads - top speed is 210km/h.

The advantages of the five-cylinder engine include six-cylinder power and response, with 2.0 litre fuel economy. The flexible character of the engine makes the Bravo HGT a comfortable companion trickling through heavy traffic as well as an enthusiastic partner when tacking challenging open road corners.

The engine features variable valve timing on the intake camshaft for a smoother torque curve and counter rotating balancer shaft for extra smooth running.

In line with the extra power available, the uprated brake system includes discs measuring 284mm (ventilated) at the front end, with 240mm (solid) at the rear. Standard ABS is a four-sensor ITT-Teves type, with in-built electronics.

Steering has also received attention, with an increase in servo ratio from 4.2Nm to 5.2Nm, and the Bravo's usual three turns lock to lock has been reduced to 2.9 turns.

In terms of safety, the Bravo HGT is impressively equipped. ABS brakes, dual and side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, side impact beams, anti-submarining seats, controlled deformation cell surrounding a passenger survival cell, and Fiat's fire prevention system (which shuts of fuel supply in the event of an accident) are all standard.

Safety against theft has not been forgotten. In common with all current Fiat models, the HGT is fitted as standard with the Fiat CODE immobiliser, which goes into operation the second the key is removed from the ignition. A code electronically stored in both key and ignition barrel is checked for compatibility. Without the key it is impossible to start the car.

Hotwiring is impossible, unless the thief has the correct electronic combination selected from such a huge number of such combinations that the thief would have better luck winning Lotto and buying a new car instead...

The price of the new Fiat Bravo HGT will be $39,990 plus on road costs. Options will include a CD stacker. The HGT goes on sale towards the end of July.

Note: The photos are mine from 2008!