Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2 JTS SV - Road Test

Search: More on the Alfa Romeo Brera

It's got the looks, but is the Alfa Romeo Brera really a serious rival to the Audi TT and Mazda RX-8? We find out...

Price: £23,995 (without options)
On sale: Now
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds; top speed 138mph
Average fuel: 30.1 mpg
Standard equipment: Body coloured door mirrors, front fog lamps, electronic key with remote central locking, a leather bound steering wheel and gearknob, electric front windows, rear parking sensor, cruise control, climate control, panoramic glass roof and 17" alloy wheels.

Tiscali verdict: 6/10 Attractive Italian style and great fun to drive. But it doesn't really feel that quick and even for a coupe it's seriously impractical.

Originally shown as a concept at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Brera made the jump to production after it was so well received wherever it was shown. Penned by acclaimed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro with the Alfa Romeo style centre, the production car remains true to the concept and went on sale in the UK last year.

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From the front, the Brera looks really individual against the competition. Worthy of particular mention is the sharp-edged, pointed nose, with its distinctive front headlight units and the front grille. Other design highlights include the Brera's panoramic roof, a new feature from the Italian manufacturer, but works well with the futuristic look to the rest of the car. The modern, stylish look is carried on through to the rear of the car with its defined rear shoulders, the large, dramatic rear light clusters and quad rear exhaust finishers which are a statement of intent. Overall, I think the Brera's exterior styling certainly has the wow factor. I particularly like the exterior details like the door handles and side repeaters that almost hang off the bodywork like costume jewellery. To really appreciate the finer details of the shape, I'd suggest specifying one of the brighter colours such as Alfa Special red.