With each new launch, Brazilian made cars get closer to the standard of those on offer in mature markets. However, the medium-compact hatch segment (M1 in Europe) has scarcely been offered here.
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The Ford Focus comes from Argentina and will be outdated soon (the new model is not expected until 2012). The VW Golf is two generations behind as is the Chevrolet Astra. The Citroën C4 has not had the latest facelift. Peugeot won’t have the 308 until next year.
In this market, the South Korean Hyundai i30, despite an import duty burden, has been second placed in recent months.
The M1 segment, as opposed to Europe’s hatchback-heavy lines, is dominated here by Corolla and Civic sedans. But the few M1 hatches on offer nonetheless account for 6% of gross passenger car sales, over 150,000 units yearly, a volume not to be scorned.
Sales of these bigger and more expensive hatches are affected by the limited buying power of the Brazilian, although that is likely to improve in coming years.
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By GlobalDataTherefore, the arrival of the Fiat Bravo is welcome. The Italian model launched at the Geneva show in 2007 was planned for Brazilian launch at the end of last year but was delayed by the 2008 world financial crisis and exchange instability that skyrocketed costs. When the Brazilian real devalued to R$2.30 to the US dollar, the project was halted. Currently, at R$1.70, imports of several components became feasible.
The Bravo replaces the Stilo, whose sales were below expectations. Despite sharing the same base platform, the new hatch is quite more attractive, with a refined interior, 14.1 ft³ boot volume, more advanced and powerful engines, and more equipment.
It has front airbags, electrically assisted, adjustable steering and fog lamps with adaptive function in bends, among other conveniences, starting with the base Essence for R$55,200 ($32,000). ABS brakes are optional, though.
Tyre pressure monitors and front park assist, electric rear view mirrors, GPS navigator integrated with multimedia centre and 6.5-in screen are part of the Absolute equipment, with ABS standard, costing R$62,250 ($36,000).
The sporty T-Jet is due on sale in the first quarter of 2011 for R$67,700 ($40,000).
Fiat expects to sell 18,000 Bravos a year.
