WITH the high cost of fuel really starting to bite back in 2007, more and more cash-strapped motorists started to downsize in droves when changing their car.

And with many companies also having to keep an watchful eye on their outgoings, the same applied to many within the fleet market.

Back then, Fiat offered just one diesel engine for their mid-sized Bravo model - in the Italian marque's case a 150bhp, turbo-charged 1.9-litre MultiJet unit.

But that year saw an additional three versions of the proven 1.6-litre oil burning unit slot into the Bravo range.

First up was a 105bhp engine which was reserved for the Active and Active Sport spec models. Next came a more powerful 120-brake unit which featured in Dynamic trim.

A second 105bhp unit with a special ECO package was also made available for the Active and Dynamic trim levels.

Revised settings to the engine control unit and gear ratios, coupled with the fitting of low rolling resistance tyres, gave this Bravo a pump-bursting combined fuel economy figure of 62.8mpg and reduced CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

Yet the beauty was that performance was not compromised and both the 1.6-litre MultiJet and its ECO sibling both pump out 214lb/ft of torque at 2,000 revs, giving a top speed of 116mph and a respectable enough standing to 62mph sprint time of 11.3 seconds.

Slipping behind the wheel buyers were not going be disappointed with the Bravo's soft-touch carbon-fibre look upper fascia and deeply recessed dials with backlit graphics.

Finding the right driving position posed no problem, with the steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach while the comfortable and supportive driver's seat also adjusted for height.

On the outside, the car's sloping waistline and pronounced wheel arches gave the Bravo something of a sporty look, but look closely and you could see distinct cues from the new Grande Punto, making it recognisable as part of a the then new generation of Fiat family cars.

Inside, there's plenty of room for four adults, but as a mid-sized car, rear leg room is a bit on the tight side. One bonus is the size of the boot. Even with the split/folding rear seats in place there's space for 365 litres which can be extended to a maximum of 1,175 litres with the seats folded.

Fiat didn't skimp when it came to equipment. The Active ECO features air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, follow-me-home headlamps, CD sound system, trip computer and Isofix mountings.

From a safety point of view, there's an array of front, side and curtain airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, all of which helped the Bravo score a top five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings.

Quiet on the road even at speed, the Bravo copes with our poor quality roads admirably. Its independent MacPherson strut system at the front and lightweight torsion beam axle at the rear offers great grip and handling with little roll even on the tightest of bends.

And in a move to take the strain out of town driving, the Bravo's electric power steering also features a city mode, which at the press of a button, lightens up the steering making manoeuvrability a breeze.

Look to pay anything between £3,600 to £4,900 for a 2007 57-plate 1.6 MultiJet Active five-door model in decent condition with up to 60,000 miles on the clock.

An Active ECO model won't cost very much more, so that would be the one to get if cost is high on the agenda.

A newer 2009 diesel Active model on a 59-plate should cost between £3,600 and £4,900, with the ECO version costing around £3,890 to £5,300 depending on mileage and condition.

By 2011, the 1.6-litre Active MultiJet model had been phased out, but a MyLife spec was available.

It should set you back around £5,760 to £7,300 for an 11-plate version, with the Active ECO version coming in slightly cheaper at between £5,400 and £6,930.