Alfa Romeo GT

That's no bad thing as the 156 is a capable front-wheel-drive performer and it also has an impressive range of engines to cherry-pick from. That means the GT is available with the 1.9JTD turbodiesel and 2.0-litre JTS direct injection petrol engines, as well as Alfas fabulous 3.2-litre V6. Despite being front-wheel-drive the GT is able to provide a genuinely involving drive, the ride firm but not unforgiving and the handling predictable and surefooted. The steering is nicely weighted and accurate and even with 240bhp going through the front wheels in the GT V6 it remains relatively uncorrupted by the power. The JTD diesel perhaps offers the best all-round proposition though, with good looks and tremendous economy without sacrificing performance. A sensible coupe then? Yes, and never has being sensible looked so appealing.