Review
The new Brera, which replaces the GTV at the top of the Alfa range, looks set to change our attitude to the Italian firm's offerings with a driving experience that matches the stunning styling.
And, as the offspring of two great Italian design houses, the Brera should look good. The styling comes courtesy of Giugario's pen, while Pininfarina was responsible for turning the sketches into production reality and also building the car. The end result is stunning - we reckon this is probably the finest-looking Alfa in living memory.
It's good inside the cabin, too. Sit inside the Brera for just 30 seconds and the change in thinking at Alfa is immediately apparent. Those over six foot no longer have to adopt the classic Nuvolari driving position with their knees either side of the steering wheel. The Brera feels designed for the general population rather than a long-armed, short-legged Alfa test driver of old. However, the rear seats are tiny and the boot is cramped compared to rivals.
At the bottom end of the engine scale is a 2.2 litre four cylinder unit that develops 185bhp. It goes well and thanks to some jiggery pokery with the exhaust system, it sounds like a much meatier unit. But it's the all-new 260bhp, 3.2-litre V6 that will be the motor of choice for most buyers. Linked to the road via Alfa's four-wheel drive system, it's as close to the classic rear wheel drive Alfa coupe as we're likely to get.
The suspension system marks another leap forward. With the basic architecture borrowed from the 159 saloon, it gives the Brera a lively, agile feel without subjecting passengers to a rock-hard ride. In fact, the ride and the general level of refinement is one of the Brera's key strengths.
All in all, a welcome return to form from Alfa.