Alfa Romeo Brera Coupe

ON THE ROAD

Performance
Two petrol engines are offered: a 185bhp 2.2-litre and a 260bhp 3.2-litre V6. A 200bhp diesel is available, too. Either petrol engine provides a great soundtrack and the performance to match. The 3.2 in particular is muscular and swift. The 2.2 needs to be worked harder to make quick progress, but it's no slouch.

Ride & handling
The Brera is fun around corners as well as down straights. The steering is precise and well weighted, although a little short of feedback. Composure and control over bumpy surfaces is matched by a surprisingly comfortable ride for such a sporty car. Push a little too hard and the front tyres will wash wide, especially in heavier V6-engined versions. On the other hand, the four-wheel drive on the V6 models makes for more secure acceleration on greasy roads.

Refinement
There's a pleasant burble from the 2.2 at low revs, and a harder-edged rasp close to the red line. The V6 grumbles in a low, bass voice at idle, and sounds better the harder it's pushed. At a steady cruise, neither engine intrudes, and wind and road noise are kept to acceptable levels

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
Prices are high, starting just below £23,000 and resale values of Alfa Romeos tend to be weak relative to German rivals, like the Audi TT. Running costs on the V6 is also be high.

Quality & reliability
The Brera's cabin seems well built from high quality materials. However, Alfa Romeo's performance in recent reliability and customer satisfaction surveys has been disappointing. Company bosses know that quality and reliability need to improve, and they pledge the Brera will win over the doubters. Time will tell.

Safety & security
Under the skin, the Brera is closely related to the 159 compact executive saloon, which has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP crash testers. The Brera has not been tested, but the performance of its sister car bodes well. Safety kit will include stability control and seven airbags.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
Plenty of steering wheel and seat adjustment should make finding a comfortable driving position easy – unless you're very tall. Legroom is acceptable, but tall drivers will find their heads brushing the ceiling. The panoramic glass roof is largely to blame, such as the Audi TT, although it does give the cabin a more airy feel.

Space & practicality
Although the car has four seats, you'd need a detachable head and arms to make yourself comfortable in the back. Space in the front is also tight. The boot offers 300 litres of space (610 litres with the rear seats folded), but there's a hip-high lip which you'll have to lift your bags over.

Equipment
Dual-zone climate control, a CD player, cruise control, remote central locking, leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels are a standard fit. Standard safety equipment includes stability control and seven airbags

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