Alfa Romeo Reviews

ALFA Romeo's GT maintains the Italian company's commitment to style. There is substance here, too, but it is the style which catches the attention and sets this two-door Alfa apart from the small clutch of hot hatches and WRXs in the premium end of the sub-$100,000 sports market.The coupe was designed by Bertone. It is a fine sculpture with a mix of muscle and heritage, a swoop to the nose leading to that classic grille, a sharp-edged rib down the side, and a well-rounded rear.The GT is instantly recognisable as an Alfa Romeo, a close relative of the 147 and a distant relative of classics back to the Guilia Sprint GT of the early 1960s.As with most from this famous stable, the GT's style will last well into the 21st century; simple and uncluttered, the lines spell a Zegna-suited sports machine, a fine-tuned machine with breeding.All this fine Italian style, plus the engineering, arrives with a $79,990 price tag.That price, maybe too rich for some blood, is reasonable for a European coupe with class and 176kW arriving at 6200rpm.That's a little less than the same 3.2 litre V6 produces for the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, here there's been a little detuning to give the GT a different character.The 147 GTA is for the boy and girl racers; the Alfa GT more for the sporting tourers, perhaps a little wiser in the ways of the back roads.It has a softer nature, this coupe. It is not to be underestimated but the ride, the general demeanour is not quite as aggressive as that of the Alfa 147 GTA, one of the hottest of hot hatches this season.The GT's steering is just as sharp, the trade-off again is a decent-sized turning circle at 12.1m, but the front end is a little softer, a little less kart-like.This helps give the GT a more relaxed attitude. The 147 GTA is always wanting to slip the leash, the Alfa GT is just as happy to settle back into a fast clip. The coupe most appreciates the open road.It is easy enough to run around town but the snug cabin, hip-hugging seats and that engine bark are more suited to a quiet highway, best with a few twists and turns.As a runaround, that stylish Alfa crouch allows good room for two up front, a little room for smaller occupants in the back. Rear seat leg room is reasonable, headroom is at a premium.Fuel consumption through the traffic runs about 17-18 litres/100km; on an open road cruise that drops to 9 litres/100km.This is where the people see the charm and class of the Alfa's road presence but it's out of town where the Alfa GT earns its money.There is decent grip (and less front-wheel fightback than the 147) and always that quick and sharp turn-in.Like the best of its breed, the GT also enjoys a run through the gears, that lusty V6 singing and the kilometres disappearing.The factory reckons it shifts from standstill to 100km/h in.6.7 seconds and covers a standing kilometre in 26 seconds. Top speed is 243km/h and there is little doubt the GT would remain as composed, as unruffled as it sits at 110km/h.Ride comfort is generally good, there is a fair amount of compliance and that front end is better behaved over the jiggles than the Alfa GTV; nastier and rougher bitumen still needs to be treated with care.The Alfa GT is a smart and quick tourer, a fine piece of machinery for running from A to B in comfort and safety with a large helping of driving pleasure.The very able chassis is backed here by electronic stability and traction controls, ABS brakes and brake assist for those four big disc brakes, ventilated at the front.Front, side plus curtain airbags, a Bose sound system with CD (stacker in the boot) and MP3 player, heated leather seats and trip computer help fill out cabin comforts and occupant safety.This Alfa Romeo GT is a very complete, very pretty and very satisfying machine.

Think rabid greyhound, itching to get off the leash and take a chunk out of the nearest piece of meat and you start to get the picture.The high performance version of the Alfa 147 is just about the most fun you can have in hatch and one of two cars that can lay claim to the hot hatch crown.The other is VW's limited edition Golf R32 that boasts a similar profile on paper.But for our money we reckon the GTA has the edge. styling is dramatic and even more in your face than the standard car with the addition of a body kit and 17 inch wheels.engine is a race tuned 3.2-litre V6 that pumps out 184kW of power (that's 250bhp) at 6200rpm and a maximum 300Nm of torque at 4800rpm. To put that in perspective, it's about the same power that a six cylinder Ford Falcon generates, but in the compact dimensions of hatch that weighs 1360kg.it has a fabulous note and you'll find yourself driving around with the windows down just to listen from the engine. The roar from the purposeful twin tailpipes is not lost on others either.performance is impressive but marred by pronounced torque steer as the front tyres scrabble for traction. Yes, it's front wheel drive but don't let that put you off, because there is a sophisticated VDC stability control system.it's one of the least interventionist traction systems that we have driven, but it is still a case of hang on tight and wrestle with the wheel as the car rips from rest to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 246km/h.low, mid and high range acceleration is very strong, with enough torque from the big six to dawdle in just about any gear. It'll even go up hill in top if you don't feel like changing down.transmission is six speed manual although a Selespeed auto is also available. If you fancy your driving, you will want to stick with the manual, with close ratios and a short, smooth easy to use action.the independent suspension is rock hard and the first time you hit a pothole you'll think the car is about to self destruct. It's the price you pay for the sticky handling and most buyers will happily live with it.the price you pay for performance is a thirst. Fuel consumption is listed as 18.1L/100km around town, dropping to a low of 8.8L/100km on the highway, with a claimed overall figure of 12.1L/100km. It drinks premium and prefers the good stuff.during our test the computer showed 15.3L/100km – the overall impression is clouded by a small 66-litre tank that at this rate doesn't leave much change from 400km.beefy brakes are 305mm ventilated front discs with dual pump Brembo calipers and 276 mm rear discs, with ABS and electronic brake force distribution.terrible turning circle.as well as the performance you get a great looking car with luxury appointments. Standard equipment includes highback sport buckets, xenon headlights, climate air, lots of airbags, eight speaker sound system.

Apologies to the great one for borrowing his one liner, but it pretty well describes my drive impressions of Alfa Romeo's new GT, launched on July 1.Nearly 400km across a spectrum of driving environment – from peak hour Sydney harbour bridge commuting to Hunter Valley back road scratching to Newcastle Expressway cruising – provided a spirited search into the soul of Alfa's latest offering.The punt north from Wiseman's Ferry to Cessnock particularly reinforced the GT's road holding prowess.Pushed h-a-r-d through corners, with the 3.2-litre V6 on full song around 6000rpm in second or third gear, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was more than a front wheel drive vehicle.The Alfa exuded such dynamic grip at all four points of road contact, that it seemed to be driving as much from the rear.No doubt this is helped by electronic traction and stability control systems that get the power to the ground and keep it there.What with the stiff suspension (it is a GT), you felt every pot hole, but the car still tracked true and held its line with sure footed confidence.The GT essentially wears the same suspension set- up as the 147 GTA with double wishbone front and MacPherson struts at the rear.A longer (50mm) wheel base than the GTA could well assist with making the GT the great handler that it is. Kerb weight is 1410kg.But there's more to the GT than impressive handling and road holding.The free-revving V6 is as found in the 156 sedan and 147 GTA hot hatch, save for a mild detune which drops it about 8kW from GTA spec to 176kW at 6200rpm, with maximum torque of 300Nm kicking in at 4800rpm.The six-speed manual gearbox is sportily spaced with short, positive throws to bring the best out in the engine and gives the maker's claims of 0-100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds credence. Sorry, no auto is available.The GT stops as well as it goes courtesy of ABS anti-lock brakes bolstered by emergency brake assist to maximise retardation.Refilling the fuel tank is not on a motoring writer's job description, so we will have to accept Alfa's claims of 12.4l/100km (combined cycle).Put the car's swoopy styling down to input from coach builder Bertone, designer of the original 1954 Giulietta Sprint which, it could be argued, kick started the gran turismo (GT) concept.The GT will carry four people, although head room was a problem for a colleague who tried out the rear seats. But then he was a taller than average 185cm (6'2").In keeping with the svelte Italian styling, the interior is well finished in tan and black leather tones and creature comforts and entertainment include a Bose/Bosch MP3-CD capable hi-fi, dual-zone automatic climate control system, trip computer and xenon headlights.There is also cruise control, multifunction (and multilingual) information display, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, remote central locking and remote-control operation of the boot.If the worse comes to the worst, occupants are well protected by six airbags – two in the front, two front side and two window curtain type – front and rear anti-submarining seats, inertia-reel seat belt pretensioner and load limiter and a fire protection system that prevents fuel loss on impact, in a roll-over or in damage to the fuel lines.Distributor Ateco expects to sell "perhaps 150" GTs a year locally.The RRP of $79,990 puts it up against BMW's 3 Series coupe, Mercedes-Benz Sports Coupe, Audi TT, Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8 and Chrysler Crossfire.Exalted company. But the Alfa Romeo GT more than deserves comparison – and a test drive.

Alfa Romeo is reclaiming the word that formed its backbone.Performance. It is the one word on which Alfa's history was based, becoming its philosophy through to the 1970s before buyers started demanding room for their children and the focus on performance became blurred.But there have been some exceptions – among them Giulietta Sprint, Alfetta and more recently the 156/147GTA – to warm the blood.And now, released this week, there's the GT.Dubbed a coupe – though more a hatch thanks to its wide-opening bootlid – the GT replaces the four-door 156GTA and sits on a similar platform with a near-identical drivetrain.Though it shares the same wheelbase as the 156, the GT is longer, wider and lower than its donor and – thanks to some superb styling by Italian design house Bertone – stunningly beautiful in the flesh.It gets the GTA's 3.2-litre quad-cam V6 engine, though it sheds 8kW in the transfer and keeps the same torque and acceleration times. The six-speed manual transmission is the only offering – so no full automatic or Alfa's Selespeed – to reiterate the performance theme.The GT's interior has overtones of the 156, though the quality of the leather and the impressive comfort and support of the seats better reflects its GT status.Alfa Romeo Australian importers Ateco Automotive this week said its only concern was supply. Alfa has budgeted on making 14,000 GTs a year, but demand is near 30,000.Not that anyone is unhappy about the figures. Governing director of Ateco Neville Crichton said sales showed the car competed well with all its German competitors."We expect to sell 100 GTs this year," he said."It's no secret we have had supply problems from Italy early this year but they'll pick up in the second half."The $79,990 GT competes with coupes from the Holden Monaro to the Nissan 350Z, BMW 325, Chrysler Crossfire, Mercedes CLK and Peugeot 406 Coupe. But the GT boasts higher driver appeal, with brilliant handling and an engine that delivers truckloads of strong power from idle to red line.The GT can be almost perfectly balanced through fast corners with slingshot acceleration out of the bends afforded by the engine's meaty torque.The brakes are some of the best stoppers on the market and the suspension so good that it can be difficult to pick this as a front-wheel-drive car.But this delightful car is let down badly by noise from the suspension, tyres and unknown bits of bodywork.As expected, the GT has a firm ride. But it has a poor ability to absorb road bumps and will send jarring messages to occupants' spines.

But four days after the company celebrated its 94th birthday, and to launch what Ateco's governing director Neville Crichton calls their "new breed of cars", comes the GT. The GT replaces the 156 GTA and is the first coupe since the previous generation GTV. A convertible GT is due in 2006.The current GTV, a model the GT will complement, is more a two-plus-two seater, and the two in the back have to be physically challenged. In contrast, the GT seats four in relative comfort.The reason for the return is explained when looking at Alfa's model line-up. The GTAs were built primarily for the race track of which the 147 GTA fills the niche well. The 147 and 156 are not sporty models while the Spider takes care of the convertible line-up. The GT, however, is sporty and offers buyers a unique car that has the space and versatility of a coupe.Alfa predicts it will sell 100 GTs by the end of the year, a prediction that may be conservative when looking at the position of the car. Priced above cars such as the Nissan 350Z and Audi TT, but below the BMW 330ci and CLK 320, the GT ($79,990) has a spot all its own.Crichton, who is confident the car will sell well, says: "I think the car – in every way – competes well with every German competitor."Styled by Bertone the GT subtly features cues from its stable mates. It is the size and general shape of a 156 but the scalloped doors reflect the sporty nature of the 147 GTA. The high-sided doors are accentuated by the sleek and narrow windows and the taut lines that meet at the rear of the car.The heart of the GT is Alfa's 3.2-litre V6 that puts out 176kW@6200 and develops 300Nm of torque, the same as the racy 147 GTA. The V6 engine couples with a six-speed box and the GT rockets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds. The GT has the same styling as its siblings and features the subtle, and stylish, red lighting that is characteristic of the brand.The GT comes equipped with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, steering wheel with integrated radio controls, a Bose sound system with a CD/MP3 player, power windows, remote central locking with remote boot opening, full leather interior and heated front seats.Then there is safety. The GT has six air bags (dual front, side and window), VDC with brake assist, front and rear anti-submarining seats, inertia-reel seat belt pretensioner and load limiter, and a fire protection system that prevents fuel loss on impact, in a roll-over or in damage to the fuel lines.The ride is on the rough side but not overly uncomfortable and only a little bug to bear in exchange for the handling qualities the GT possesses. Steering is precise and despite slight tram lining and a little bump steer the GT is extremely sure footed.While there will be no other version of the GT than the petrol engine, Alfa says diesel offerings will come in other models.Despite a positive forecast, Alfa has had a very tough first half of 2004. Strikes at Fiat saw 400 Alfas bound for Down Under stranded in the warehouse for months, which hit sales.

He just loves his Alfas but we have to admit to being a tad disappointed with Alfa's super stylish 156 Sportwagon, now with the excellent 2.0-litre JTS engine aboard.It just didn't knock our socks off the way the sedan did.Our test car was the five-speed manual version priced from $53,500. Selespeed auto adds $3000 to the price. 2.0-litre twin cam four cylinder engine delivers 121kW of power and 206Nm of torque, maximum torque from 3250rpm. JTS tag refers to Alfa's version of variable valve timing designed to produce more power while reducing fuel consumption.Performance is good without being earth-shattering. The wagon seems to take a little longer to get going than the sedan, but strangely turns in the same 0-100km/h figure of 8.2 seconds.Performance figures for the sedan and wagon are very close as are the dimensions and weight of the two vehicles. The wagon is only 11mm longer than the sedan and weighs just 50kg more.In day to day driving the wagon is a nimble thing, able to thread its way in and out of traffic easily and quick off the line. The engine likes to rev and it becomes apparent that revving it is the way to get the best out of it.Wagon is slightly more thirsty than the sedan at 8.9L/100km compared to 8.6, but both cars are still extremely light sippers – gratifying for a performance car.The wagon has been re-styled by "Designer of the Century" Giorgetto Giugiaro. The front has been completely restyled forward of the A-pillar with a grille that is bigger and features new headlights. Lower bumper area is also narrower than the previous version.We particularly liked the interior treatment in our test car, with its tan leather upholstery. Seats were comfy and the inside has a nice old world feel.Safety is enhanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Motor Speed Regulator (MSR) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) – all of which are standard.Six airbags are also standard – window air bags joining the front air bags and the side impact airbags fitted in the sides of the front seats.Alfa appears to have got placement of the foot pedals right with this one. They are right where the should be, instead of offset to the left.

The power house six has found its way into a yet another member of the gorgeous Alfa Romeo fleet.Joining the 147 and 156 GTA high performance models is the new look GTV coupe, the subject of our test.Alfa says the six cylinder GTV is the fastest ever road going car to wear the Alfa badge, with a top speed of 255km/h, helped along by its short, sharp wedge shape.Down the lower end of the scale the car takes just 6.7 seconds to leap from 0-100km/h.They are impressive figures and the GTV is an impressive car to match, both in terms of styling and performance – although it is not necessarily the easiest of cars to live with.The 24 valve engine is in fact a slightly detuned version of the 184kW GTA power plant but is still good for 176kW and 289Nm of torque – the small difference is negligible in day to day driving.The GTV also runs happily on standard unleaded which is even better.That said we live for the day our talented Italian cousins can deliver a car that accommodates our body proportions.Like many Alfas the GTV's pedals are too close together and off-set to the left, which can be unnerving for the beginner and down right dangerous when it comes to emergency braking.Then there is the little matter of the seating – no matter how you adjust the driver's seat, the pedals are either too close and your feet cramped or the gear shift is a tad too far away.Once you get used to these little eccentricities however you can begin to appreciate the incredible tractability of the engine and slick, intuitive six-speed shift.The engine pulls from just about any gear and is happy to dawdle around at low speed without the lumpy feel of some high performance vehicles.Drive is through the front wheels and can become unruly during hard acceleration, with stability control is fitted to keep the tyres anchored to the tarmac – although it is still relatively easy to spin the wheels.Alfa's ASR is one of the least intrusive stability systems that we have encountered and in the GTV can be switched off.As well as the powerhouse six the new GTV has revised front styling, new dash and console and integrated audio system.Fuel consumption is a claimed 9.3L/100km highway and 19.9L/100km around town, with a combined figure of 13.2L/100km. We managed to get about 12.2L/100km from the 70-litre tank during our 1200km test.The Alfa Romeo GTV 3.2 V6 24V is priced from $73,500.

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 factsAlfa Romeo GTV V6 two-door coupePrice: $73,500Engine: 3.2-litre V6 24V; 176kW@6200 rpm, 289Nm@4800rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, top speed 255km/hTransmission: six-speed manualVerdict: 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 enjoymentAlternativesAUDI TT 2D CoupePrice: $75,200Engine: in-line four-cylinder four-stroke, turbocharged, five valves per cylinder, double overhead cams. 1.8-litre 132kW@5500rpm; 235Nm@1950-4700rpmVerdict: A design tour de force when released and still as eye-catching as ever. Dynamically almost as goodMAZDA RX8Price: $56,170 (manual)Engine: Front-midship Renesis – two rotors in line, naturally aspirated, multi-sideport; 177kW@8200rpm, 211Nm@5500rpmVerdict: Simply an amazing car. Looks fantastic and drives even betterIn the garageVolkswagen Passat dieselPrice: Not available – evaluation model onlyEngine: V6 TDi; 120kW@4000rpm, 310Nm@1400rpmVerdict: 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

The Holden Adventra is a signpost car and so is the new BMW 5-Series.

AH, THOSE exuberant Italians. Such an excitable lot. So passionate, so alive, so full of zest . . . I don't mean the people, but their cars.