- Fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engines
- Responsive turbocharged petrol engines
- Steering is light…
- … but lacks feel
- Cramped rear seat
- Firm ride
- Handling falls short of Mazda BK Mazda3 and Ford Mk.2 Focus
Review: Fiat Ritmo (2008-09)
Overview
Released in March 2008, the Fiat Ritmo was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Cassino, Italy, the front-wheel drive Ritmo was available with 1.4-litre petrol engines (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged) and 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines. In July 2008, however, the latter was replaced with a less powerful version. All engines were mated to six-speed manual transmissions and the Ritmo was offered in Dynamic, Emotion and Sports variants.
Sold in international markets as the Fiat Bravo, the Ritmo was 4336 mm long, 1792 mm wide, 1498 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Ritmo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Engine | Variant | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4-litre petrol I4 | Dynamic | 2008-09 | 66 kW at 5500 rpm | 128 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 1.9-litre turbo-diesel I4 (‘MultiJet’) | Emotion, Sport |
2008 | 110 kW at 4000 rpm | 305 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| 1.9-litre turbo-diesel I4 (‘MultiJet’) | Dynamic | 2008-09 | 88 kW at 4000 rpm | 255 Nm at 20004pm |
| Emotion | 2009 | |||
| 1.4-litre turbo petrol I4 (‘T-Jet’) | Emotion | 2008 | 110 kW at 5500 rpm | 206 Nm at 2250 rpm |
| Sport | 2008 | 110 kW at 5500 rpm | 230 Nm at 3000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners and load limiting front seatbelts. The Sport variant was also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a left-hand drive Ritmo (sold as the Bravo in European markets) received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.5 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front passenger. Under ANCAP’s methodology, however, only models fitted with electronic stability control were eligible for a five star rating.
Features
Standard features for the entry-level Ritmo Dynamic included a six speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and front windows, ambient lighting, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Ritmo Emotion was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, a cooled storage compartment, front fog lamps, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, rear power windows, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet and chrome door handles and exhaust tip.
Beyond this, the Ritmo Sport added 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45-section tyres, dual zone climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth, sports seats and steering wheel, rear spoiler and voice recognition.
Related links
