Alfa Romeo GT Coupe review (2004-2011)

Coupes are all about style, so any coupe with the Alfa Romeo badge on it should be a sensational looker. The GT proves this, its beautifully balanced lines perfectly mating graceful elegant style with a hint of sporting purposefulness. That alone would be enough for many buyers, but underneath that dramatic coupe body there's a car that's not as compromised by its style as many rivals. The rear seats are useable for adults, even if getting in isn't too easy and the boot is spacious and accessed by a large hatchback opening. Like the majority of coupes it shares lots of components from other models in the range, which means the dashboard from the 147 and a version of the 156's platform.

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.