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Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 Q4

The Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 Q4 has style but falls short on speed and top-end engine performance

ALFA ROMEO BRERA 3.2 Q4

Text AUTO 192265 to 88833 to download the Alfa Romeo Brera engine ringtone to your mobile. Terms & Conditions below.

14th September 2006

If Greatest Drives was judged on style alone, then the Alfa Romeo Brera would win hands-down. The sharp, angular lines and swooping rear are pure Italian flair. Add in a creamy V6 engine and legendary Alfa hand-ling, and surely you’ve got a recipe for success.

 
The steering is nicely weighted but lacks feedback, while tight bends provoke excessive body roll.
In that case, why is the Brera bringing up the rear of this year’s 20-car shoot-out? It’s certainly nothing to do with the cabin. The driving position is excellent, while the wraparound cockpit makes the Brera feel like a genuine sports car. Push the engine starter button, and the throaty 3.2-litre V6 rumbles into life.

But on the move, the Alfa fails to live up to the expectations set by its stunning bodywork. Long gearing means the 260bhp engine seems lazy and lacking in top-end punch, while the 322Nm torque output is nothing to write home about. You’re often left waiting for a wave of power that never materialises.

The steering is nicely weighted but lacks feedback, while tight bends provoke excessive body roll. The Q4 all-wheel-drive system ensures grip is excellent and the Alfa rarely loses its composure, but equally it never does enough to let the driver feel involved in the action.

Nor was it that fast. In a straight line, the Brera failed to better many of the hot hatches, and it was actually the slowest of all the cars that set a time around the track. Things do improve on the road, thanks to the compliant ride, but the Alfa is more of a grand tourer than a sports coupé.

Text AUTO 192265 to 88833 to download the Alfa Romeo Brera engine ringtone to your mobile.

(Service costs 150p per ringtone. Normal operator charges apply. Users must have a GPRS-enabled and compatible handset and be over 16. Support email mobile@dennis.co.uk.)

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For an alternative review of the latest Alfa Romeo Brera visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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  • Alfa Romeo Brera Video 6.1MB

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    ALFA ROMEO BRERA 3.2 Q4
    ALFA ROMEO BRERA 3.2 Q4
    ALFA ROMEO BRERA 3.2 Q4

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    Specifications

    On-the-road price: £28,750
    Engine/capacity: V6/3,195cc
    Peak power: 260/6,300 bhp/rpm
    Peak torque: 322/4,500 Nm/rpm
    Kerbweight: 1,630kg
    0-60 claimed/actual: 6.8/6.5secs
    30-70mph/top speed: 6.2secs/149mph
    60-0mph: 34.6 metres
    Noise idle/full revs: 46/74dB
    Lap time/ranking: 1min 48.1secs/18th

    Road rating: 3/5
    Track rating: 2/5
    Feelgood factor: 4/5
    Value rating: 3/5
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