The Fiat Ritmo returns to Fiat New Zealand

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!

Fiat 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…

Fiat 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…1970's 105TC Ritmo photo courtesy http://strada130.comTags:  Fiat+Bravo, Fiat+Ritmo