Alfa Romeo GTV 2004 review

For whatever reason, you decide you could handle keeping it for yourself, full time.

With the Alfa GTV it is a strange predicament. It is by no means the quickest car we have seen, nor is it the most technologically advanced, most practical or the most luxurious.

But the Alfa is steeped in history and has not steered far from its roots, something you feel from the moment you lay eyes on it.

Sure, the engine is better, there are more safety additions and the handling is a marked improvement on the Alfas of old but Alfa has maintained the traditional elegant interior styling that sets the Alfa apart.

The GTV has what you need. There may not be cupholders but there are clever little inventions such as the water for the windscreen spraying from the wipers not the bonnet (avoiding that irritating spray-over-the roof-and-not-on-screen syndrome).

The instrument panel faces the driver, requiring minimal distraction. The gauges are round and stylish while the red lighting on the controls further adds to the ambience.

The gear stick is not short and trendy, as we see emerging from other new cars, but does not hamper gear changes in the least.

The GTV is a very nice looking car. From the sleek but strikingly accentuated V-shaped bonnet lines (to hint at what is beneath) and side styling to the narrow grille and small but sharp headlights, the GTV is beautifully styled.

And the 3.2-litre 24V V6 certainly sounds the part. From the moment your foot hits the right pedal your ears are treated to the full throaty resonance that envelopes the car.

The 176kW of power coupled with the 289Nm of torque move you along at a nice pace reaching 100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. The GTV, with a top speed of 255km/h, is the fastest roadgoing Alfa Romeo produced. The wheels have a little difficulty transferring this power to the black stuff and torque steer can catch you out if you do not have a good grip on the wheel.

It is less severe when the traction control is off. The brakes are firm but usable and no brake fade was encountered as was discovered on a less sporty model.

The ride comfort may not be smooth but is not uncomfortable and not nearly as headache-causing as some other high-performance sports cars tested. High-speed handling compromises low-speed manoeuvrability, the GTV having a larger turning circle of 10.6m.

Room is not high on the Alfa priority list in the GTV. The front is not cramped in any way, you don't rub elbows with your passenger and there is a fair amount of legroom. But have pity on whoever you place in the back. The back seat offers little leg room for the average-sized adult.

The boot, while deep, is by no means large and the funny shaping of it is awkward. A suitcase cannot be laid down and it was a strategic challenge to fit the shopping in.

The seats may look uninviting and unforgiving but once seated they are rather comfortable, and they are covered in Momo leather, no less.

The GTV is priced at $73,500.

Scrimping on the luxuries sees price determined on the badge. But a badge that gives you a good, fun drive, plenty of street cred plus elegant Italian styling... well, it comes down to a matter of choice.

Fast facts

Alfa Romeo GTV V6 two-door coupe
Price: $73,500
Engine: 3.2-litre V6 24V; 176kW@6200 rpm, 289Nm@4800rpm
Performance: 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, top speed 255km/h
Transmission: six-speed manual
Verdict: Elegantly stylish with the aggressive lines that are synonymous with the badge. The nice, throaty engine, which has plenty of get-up and go, further adds to the enjoyment

Alternatives

AUDI TT 2D Coupe
Price: $75,200
Engine: in-line four-cylinder four-stroke, turbocharged, five valves per cylinder, double overhead cams. 1.8-litre 132kW@5500rpm; 235Nm@1950-4700rpm
Verdict: A design tour de force when released and still as eye-catching as ever. Dynamically almost as good

MAZDA RX8
Price: $56,170 (manual)
Engine: Front-midship Renesis – two rotors in line, naturally aspirated, multi-sideport; 177kW@8200rpm, 211Nm@5500rpm
Verdict: Simply an amazing car. Looks fantastic and drives even better

In the garage

Volkswagen Passat diesel
Price: Not available – evaluation model only
Engine: V6 TDi; 120kW@4000rpm, 310Nm@1400rpm
Verdict: Yet another senior company looking at the possibility of expanding diesels in Australia. A little rough sounding but interior styling just as good as its Audi cousins