Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 Q4

	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.

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