Alfa Romeo GTV / Spider

   The Alfa Romeo GTV / Spider sports car was produced between 1995 and 2006. It was available as a GTV coupe or Spider roadster. It's successor is the Alfa Romeo Brera.

   It is powered by a wide range of engines. The 2.0-liter direct-injection petrol JTS engine delivers 165 hp and gives a respectable turn of speed. Not only that, but it gets off the line smartly too and allows brisk overtaking. Things get much faster with the 240 hp 3.2-litre V6, though. It will lunge forward in any of its six gears and cracks the 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) sprint in 6.5 seconds.

   Unfortunately vehicle's sharp steering is unsettled and dull. On dry, smooth roads there's reasonable grip, but tight corners or damp surfaces can set the front tyres scrabbling, especially in the V6 model. The ride quality is slightly improved, but is still unsettled. The steering is quick, but needs to feed more information back to the driver.

   No complaints with the GTV's engine refinement. All motors are sonorous when extended and settle down to a whisper when less stressed. However, you can hear plenty of other noises. A fair degree of wind noise creeps into the cabin and road noise is also a problem – even at modest speeds.

  However GTVs have been plagued by reliability problems, mainly in the electrics and suspension. They suffer the odd trim rattle, even in new cars. What's more, the quality of the switchgear and plastics is not up to the standards set by more modern Alfas

   All cars get twin front airbags, but side 'bags are not offered, even as an option. The anti-lock braking system features Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to make sure stopping effort is shared evenly by all four wheels. Plus, traction control prevents the driven wheels from slipping. Deadlocks, which would help theft protection, are not offered.

   The Alfa Romeo GTV/Spider has some problems with a lack of steering wheel and seat adjustability, the cabin is a pleasant place to be. Its overtly sporting fascia is sure to bring a smile to the face, and there are some brilliantly executed design touches, allied to well laid out controls. The seats are comfortable, although the shortage of cabin width will cause sore elbows for some rangier drivers.

   The Lusso model is loaded with luxury goodies including automatic climate control with pollen filter, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and a CD player, plus leather upholstery. Options include a 10-disc CD autochanger with integral satellite-navigation.

    Cabin space is the GTV's biggest letdown. The Alfa is quite capable of holding a couple's holiday luggage, but forget about taking the kids – this car is effectively a two-seater with added storage behind the front seats. Room up front isn't particularly great, either – the low roofline eats up headroom and visibility is poor.

   Despite its rarity, the GTV's resale values are only modest, and fall some way short of what similarly priced BMW coupes can expect to retain. To keep other running costs down you're better off sticking to the 2.0-liter model. Push the V6 hard and you'll suffer heavy fuel bills, along with stiffer insurance costs.

   Production of the Alfa Romeo GTV coupe ended in 2005 and the Spider roadster was built till 2006.

   Advantages: Fantastic looks for coupe and convertible. All engine options are eager performers and V6 sounds great. Also cars have plenty of standard goodies.

   Disadvantages: The ride is unsettled and powerful V6 model can run out of grip. Coupe is strictly a two-seater despite the rear seats. You can forget any chance of squeezing people into the rear of the GTV. Quick steering but skittish handling. The boot is tiny.

   Verdict: Better to look and listen to than drive. To keep running costs down you're better sticking to the 2.0-liter model.

   Also consider: Audi TT, BMW Z3, Nissan 350Z.

Video of the Alfa Romeo GTV To save this video click the right mouse button and select 'Save target as' HERE