Reviving a historical model name is a common manufacturer's trick. But usually it's designed to evoke memories of long-lamented classic cars - think of Aston's revival of the DB range.

Fiat's Bravo, though functional and practical, was hardly mourned when it disappeared at the start of this decade to be replaced by the Stilo.

Nonetheless, Fiat has resuscitated the Bravo name for its latest small car, due to go on sale in the UK next summer.

It looks pretty tasty, too.

With that steeply raked shoulder line and rounded back end, the new Bravo definitely has a touch of the Alfa Romeo about it. It's still obviously a Fiat, though, as the familiar headlight clusters and wide bonnet creases attest.

And is there a touch of the VW Iroc about the Bravo's backside, or is that wishful thinking?

The Bravo will be offered with a choice of three engines. The 1.9 turbodiesel MultiJet found on the Grande Punto is available with 120 or 150bhp, and there's an entry-level 90bhp 1.4-litre unit.

Making its debut in the Bravo is the new 1.4-litre turbocharged T-JET petrol block, developing 120 or 150bhp. There's no official performance stats yet, but we'd expect the 150bhp iteration to hit 0-60mph in under 10 seconds.

Fiat hasn't given us any word on pricing yet, but the Bravo will replace the ageing Stilo, so prices should be comparable.