THE comeback kid of the Fiat range is one way of describing stylish hatchback the Bravo.

Back in the day it was a low-slung three-door model with a five-door twin brother called the Brava.

But both siblings fell victim to the axe when replaced by the inglorious Stilo, only for the Bravo to return six years later as the poor old Stilo sunk without trace.

These days the Bravo comes in exclusively five-door bodystyle and more than holds its own in a ferocious area of the market inhabited by the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.

As befits a name suggesting a result beyond expectations, the Bravo really looks the part with its streamlined elegance that doesn't compromise the Fiat's practicality.

Opt for top spec Sport trim - the others are Active, MyLife and Dynamic - and you get touches like body hugging and durable seats with red stitching plus criss-cross stitches on the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake.

While one or two of the plastics, especially in the central housing between the front seats, feel on the cheap side, the cabin is well laid-out, comfortable and accessible.

There's plenty of room for two adults in the back, a deep boot and the rear seats split and fold 60-40 for extra load carrying.

The real star of this Bravo though, is the 140bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine, which comes with Start&Stop as standard kit and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Without getting too technical, MultiAir is Fiat's engine valve opening control set-up that improves air circulation to guarantee greater power and quicker acceleration but with lower emissions and improved fuel consumption.

Upshot is a combined fuel figure of just under 50 miles per gallon and even though it takes some serious eco driving to match that figure, it's still fantastic for a car capable of hitting 62mph in 8.5 seconds.

Want an even more engaging ride and a push on the Sport button sharpens the throttle response and firms up the suspension.

There is also a pair of lower powered 1.4-litre petrol engines available, the 90bhp version kicking off the Bravo range in Active trim at £15,200, plus three MultiJet diesel options, all offering low emissions and strong economy.

Safety measures like driver's kneebag and window airbags, ABS with stability control and a hill holder - to help uphill starting - are on every car.

And equipment across the range is comprehensive, only the entry grade Active missing out on Fiat's Blue&Me system allowing hands-free mobile phone use and MP3 function plus the ability to download eco:Drive which analyses driving style and makes efficiency recommendations.