IT was back in 2007 that Fiat returned to the highly competitive family hatchback market and introduced the Bravo to take over from the sadly unsung Stilo,

The Bravo is a handsome hatch and has already made its mark with some quality extras on top of a comprehensive equipment package which includes the likes of dual zone climate control and cruise control.

In the frame here is the Bravo 1.4-litre MultiAir 140 Sport which adds the likes of a leather sports steering wheel, rear spoiler and sideskirts plus Blue & Me Phone and MP3 Player connectivity with steering wheel controls.

Bespoke interior trim creates a touch of individuality on the Sport model and there are also red brake callipers and a distinctive chrome tailpipe to emphasise its credentials.

Designed at the Fiat Styling Centre, the Bravo shares some styling cues with Fiat's Grande Punto range, pairing its smooth aerodynamic lines with the some very muscular wheel arches to create an elegant, dynamic and sporting appearance.

In typical Italian Grand Tourer style the bonnet and front wings flow seamlessly into a steeply raked windscreen while at the rear, high visibility tail light clusters flank a practical, top hinged tailgate.

While perhaps not quite as roomy as some of its contemporaries, the Bravo hatch still offers some spacious accommodation which I found quite satisfactory for four adults and while 365 litres of boot space may not perhaps suit all hatchback buyers, the car does offer sound ergonomics and a very high build quality.

The Bravo's passenger compartment is noted for both ease of access and spaciousness and the interior is considered one of the most practical.

Plastics and fabrics are easy on the eye and the stylish interior offers plenty of visual and tactile sophistication through a busy centre console, air con control surrounds and an innovative range of colour combinations gracing a well thought out dash.

The driver's instrument binnacle features deeply recessed dials with back-lit graphics and the Bravo's interior includes the likes of a storage drawer under the front passenger seat, a chilled compartment, door pockets and holders for keys, coins and sunglasses.

On the road, the 1.4-litre MulltiAir 140 Sport performs well. Handling is good and there is an abundance of driver safety aids such as electronic stability control system, hill holder and ABS braking with electronic brake distribution.

The ride was good and Fiat's electric power steering with "City" mode to help low speed manoeuvres was light yet very positive.

Quick off the mark, the Bravo can register well under nine seconds for the 0-62mph dash. There's also plenty of low down pull while the Stop/Start System made its contribution to our almost 50mpg over some 200 miles of driving,