Alfa Romeo GT
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. Stylish and practical, but expensive for what it offers.
Review
Alfa Romeo has a long, proud tradition of building affordable sportscars, with the GT the latest offering from the Italian manufacturer. It's more practical than rivals like the Audi TT, but it's unable to match the exclusivity or upmarket appeal of premium badged rivals.
Most agree that the external design looks handsome enough, although the GT's relatively tall construction gives it a very hatchback-like stance. The pay-off is generous interior space by class standards, and even the outside chance of being able to squeeze some adults into the back seat. Luggage space is reasonable, too. Build quality is reasonable, it's certainly a far more sturdy prospect than Alfa Romeos of old, but some cheap-feeling plastics and parts-bin components reduce the cabin's feeling of class.
On the road the GT drives well enough, although rougher road surfaces expose the limitations of the chassis's lack of wheel travel. Front-wheel drive also struggles to cope with the power output of the V6 engine.
Three motors are available, with the most basic 2.0 litre JTS petrol feeling like the sweetest. The 3.2 litre V6 goes well, but it's expensive and corrupts the rest of the driving experience, while the 1.9 JTD diesel's agricultural soundtrack isn't in keeping with the rest of the dynamic experience.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Smart and distinctive - it's just not very coupe-like.
Handling
3 star
Drives well on smooth tarmac but quickly loses its composure over rougher roads.
Comfort
3 star
A good seating position makes the GT a fine motorway companion, but ride quality gets choppy on rougher surfaces.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
It feels far better screwed together than its leaky, creaky predecessors - but the cabin lacks the quality feel of an Audi TT or BMW 3 Series Coupe.
Performance
4 star
All engines give decent urge, with the 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol motor probably the best all-rounder. JTD diesel is frugal but noisy.
Roominess
3 star
Not bad for a coupe - real-world usable rear seats and a respectable amount of luggage space.
Running Costs
3 star
Steep depreciation and expensive insurance makes the GT look pricey to run - best sampled nearly-new.
Value for money
2 star
Basic 2.0 JTS is competitively priced, but the range-topping V6 looks very expensive considering some of the alternatives you could buy for the same money.
