| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 SV |

Inside & Out:

Concept car looks draw admiring glances from bystanders anywhere you go and there is much to admire about the Brera's shape. From some angles the big rounded rump can look a little too much and dominates the appearance of the car, but from most viewpoints it looks good. The aggressive front end is a particular highlight though there are so many details to admire that there's enough for everyone to enjoy somewhere on the car.

Interior-wise the Alfa Brera benefits from the same fit and finish we've complimented in other Alfa models recently. The numerous round gauges, particularly those angled toward the driver set into the centre console, are typically lovely Alfa and the backlit buttons are equally nice. There is a lot to appreciate in the quality as well as the design and it's a much nicer place to be than some of the competition - a Nissan 350Z for instance.

A full-length glass roof - with screening that can be set in three different positions - bathes the interior in light and gives it a very airy nature at odds with the relatively low roof line that encroaches on headroom. This extra light is particularly welcome in the rear where it feels less claustrophobic than it otherwise might. In practical terms the rear compartment is small given the size of the car, but think of the Brera as a 2+2 and it isn't too bad - many rivals don't have rear seats at all.

Engine & Transmission:

An Alfa V6 is normally a joy to behold and the 3.2-litre unit fitted to the Brera is no exception. Although a derivative of a General Motors unit, it retains an Alfa soul and voice. Obviously biased towards torque - as befits a GT - the 260bhp V6 also boasts plenty of top-end thrust. Weight and four-wheel drive sap outright performance compared to rivals, but adopt a more leisurely mindset and row the Brera along as a cruiser and it begins to make a lot more sense. The V6's note is as pleasurable in the low and mid range and it is at the upper reaches of the tacho.

The six-speed gearbox is smooth shifting and pleasant to use and the ratios are appropriately judged for a leggy cruiser. There is some occasional shunt and protestation from the four-wheel drive, with the rear differential sometimes emitting a clunk taking up the drive in our test car. Overall it's a fitting underpinning for the Brera's personality though.

Ride & Handling:

Again weight is an issue here, as ultimately it is the Brera's bulk that forces the nose wide under duress. In more relaxed motoring mode the car handles well and the four-wheel drive pays dividends on the slippery road surfaces found in the UK's winter months, offering confidence and security. The ride is firm, but a sensible wheel and tyre choice prevents it from being too stiff or crashy.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

SV spec means fully loaded in layman's terms and the Brera wants for very little as a comfortable GT car. Fuel economy is harsh, with an average hovering just under the 18mpg mark, meaning the range is limited and day-to-day running costs are high. Depreciation is also likely to be higher than that of some rivals, such as the BMW Z4 or 350Z.

There is a whole gaggle of talented cars available at the £30k mark. Many offer a superior sporting experience compared to the Alfa, but few match it as a GT or in terms of style and quality. The Alfa's value does not lie in dynamic capabilities but more in terms of style, class and quality. As such, it's difficult to make a valid comparison in terms of pure value for money against sporting rivals. Compare it to a BMW 3 Series Coupé and it stands up well.

Overall:

As fans of individual and different cars it is hard to be harsh on the Alfa Brera. Interior space isn't all it could be given the car's dimensions, but in context against rivals it is actually generous. Fuel economy is best described as scary and the performance and handling are somewhat at odds with the Alfa Romeo sporting ethos. However, here is a GT car that offers real talent and flair in the softer and harder to quantify areas of style and emotion. As such, it is an acquired taste, but we acknowledge that for some it may not make sense as an overall package. Thrill seekers should look elsewhere, but for a more mature audience the Alfa is a very capable GT car.