Fiat wants to replace Bravo with a crossover instead of a hatchback

2011 Fiat Bravo
2011 Fiat Bravo

The Volkswagen Golf is Europe’s best-selling car, so it’s pretty wise to have a strong competitor to the small hatchback. However, Fiat has decided against launching a new hatchback that would compete with the Golf. Instead, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne wants the Italian automaker to replace the slow-selling Bravo compact hatchback with a new high-roof crossover inspired by the Nissan Qashqai.

Marchionne first hinted at Fiat’s plan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January. A decision to make the switch was finalized last month, sources said.

The Fiat Bravo crossover will arrive sometime in 2013.

The compact class is Europe’s second-largest segment with sales of 3.16 million units in 2010, according to data from JATO Dynamics.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek