Alfa Romeo Brera
2.2 JTS SV
May 2006
On looks alone Alfa Romeo's Brera should fly out of the
showrooms. Continuing the styling trend started by the Italian firm's
159, the extrovert Brera is a fitting car to replace the popular GTV.
Looks can be deceiving, though. For all the car's sporting pretensions,
it boasts a traditional and surprisingly practical hatchback boot.
When you see Alfa Romeo make cars like the Brera, it's then that you
really want the company to succeed. It has come close in recent years
with various models, but the these cars have never managed to tick all
the boxes all of the time.
The Brera takes many of its design cues
from the 159 saloon. The headlights, grille and wide stance are all
familiar. However, it's at the rear of the car that things get really
interesting. The Brera's wide, curvaceous rump is in complete contrast
to the understated rear of the old GTV.
Things are a little more restrained
inside the Brera, as it uses much of the 159's cabin. On the whole this
is no bad thing as it's a good design, but thanks to the car's sloping
roof and the high mounted front seats there's not a lot of headroom
available.
At least it's difficult to find fault
with the engine range. The two petrol units (2.2 and 3.2 V6 JTS) plus
the powerful diesel (2.4 JTDM) work well and possess very different,
entertaining characters. Although the flagship V6 variant also gains
four-wheel drive, it's clear from the start that the Brera is more of a
rapid GT than an all-out sports car. Power delivery is as smooth as the
car's ride.
There's no denying that Alfa Romeo's Brera looks stunning
Ratings
Overall Rating
Value for money
Costs
Space and Practicality
Controls and display
Comfort
Security
Safety
Likes
Exterior styling is typically Alfa and stunning
Diesel engine refinement, economy and performance is impressive
Rear hatch is practical despite the car's sporting pretensions
Car is well equipped and boasts numerous safety features
Gripes
Overall cabin build quality could be better
Headroom is marginal even for those of average height
Despite the performance claims, the Brera behaves more like a high-speed cruiser
The rear seats are largely ornamental as legroom is severely limited
Our Verdict
If you expected the Brera to be a snorting, popping
and banging sports car to rival the likes of Nissan's 350Z, your
disappointment is understandable. However, this is not what the Brera -
and Alfa Romeo - is about. Grand styling gestures coupled with high
levels of refinement are now the order of the day. Cynics would say
this is another 'nearly' car, but the truth is that the Brera is a
welcome alternative the hard riding, testosterone-fuelled German
opposition.
Costs
Opting for a well equipped Brera
isn't a cheap exercise. Although you get a lot of standard kit, there
more than a few tempting options to help inflate the final asking
price. Also bear in mind that the petrol variants will prove thirsty if
driven hard, making the diesel model a more cost effective all-rounder.
Servicing costs should mirror that of Alfa's 159, though.
Space and Practicality
In space terms the Brera's cabin is
on the modest size. There might be two rear seats present, but getting
in and out plus dealing with the distinct lack of legroom is another
matter. Cabin headroom is also modest, thanks in part to the car's
sloping roof and high mounted front seats. Cabin width is fine though,
as is the space available for storing oddments. At the rear, the car's
hatch is practical, and will swallow a decent amount of shopping.
Controls and Display
Clear main dials and a centre console boasting
large, intuitive controls are a good start. Supplementary controls on
the steering wheel are a welcome bonus. The car's manual gearshift is a
little long but is precise, while the steering is fluid if lacking in
feedback. The car's column stalks are less impressive, though. Too many
functions are packed onto them - the result is an ergonomic
disappointment.
The Brera is no less stunning when viewed from the rear
Comfort
Front seat occupants fare reasonably well in the Brera, the seats are
comfortable and supportive. The fabric ones feel more 'grippy' than the
leather items - making them a better choice if you're an enthusiastic
driver. Headroom is not great though, thanks to a high mounted seat and
low roofline. Overall refinement is, however, good as road and engine
noise has been expertly suppressed. For anyone who ventures into the
rear seats, they will be met by a disappointing amount of legroom.
Security
Given the Brera's substantial kerb
appeal, it's good to see a comprehensive alarm and immobiliser system
present. Remote central locking is via the key fob, while there is no
external release for the rear hatch. A visual deterrent, such as a
steering lock, would be a wise but small investment if you want to
dissuade the casual thief.
Safety
You get all the usual safety features
with the Brera, which means airbags and a plethora of electronic
stability aids. The good news is that the latter gadgets only make
their presence felt if things go badly wrong, ensuring keen drivers can
still have some fun.
Driver Appeal
Despite the Brera's racy looks, the
car is no out and out sports car. More a rapid grand tourer, this Alfa
boasts a smooth ride and high levels of refinement. It does lack a
little feedback - hence the GT comparisons. That said, in its favour is
a range of engines not lacking power. The diesel unit in particular
offers seamless and effortless performance, making it ideal for rapid
cross-country jaunts.
Family Appeal
This is not a family car. Period. The boot
might be able to hold a few shopping bags but a pushchair would be
stretching things a little. There's also the issue of restricted space
in the rear - which wouldn't help when attempting to belt in a toddler.
If you like the Brera's looks, Alfa's 159 saloon or estate would be a
better option.
Tasteful cabin is marred by modest headroom and rear legroom
First Car Appeal
The Brera is one of those cars that looks good but wouldn't be
practical to own. It's not a difficult car to drive, it's just likely
to be expensive to run as a first car. It's also not that easy to
reverse park, thanks to wide pillars and small glass areas. And it's
not a slow car - even in diesel trim - which means novice drivers would
be better off with one of Alfa's 147 hatchbacks.
Quality and image
Image-wise Alfa has had its ups and
downs. The latter includes sub standard products, while the former
includes a recent - and welcome - revitalisation and the launch of the
156 replacement. The company has always been thought of as a racy
brand, and the recent additions bear that in their looks and if not
always their performance. Quality issues have impacted negatively on
the brand, but recent efforts have stemmed most problems.
Accessibility
The Brera's big doors open wide, but the car's low roof means it can be
a squeeze to get in if you're tall. On the plus side getting out is a
little easier. At the rear the car's hatch opens to reveal a
surprisingly spacious boot, although the load lip is high.
Stereo and ICE
The audio unit takes pride of place
in the large fascia. It boasts large buttons and an easy to see
display. Minor controls are duplicated on the steering wheel for ease
of use. Sound quality is good, with the predictable upgrades improving
the performance further. Sat-nav is also an option, and it comes with a
clear, generous size display.
Colours and Trim
It's got to be red if you're considering an
exterior colour. Famously linked with the Alfa brand, this hue best
shows off the Brera's form. Silver doesn't look as good, while darker
options help the car blend in - if that's your thing. Inside the Brera
is nearly identical to the 159. Dark plastics prevail, but the bright
centre console helps to lift the ambience. Leather seats are
recommended, if only because they just look right.
Despite the high load lip, the Brera's rear hatch is practical
Parking
The view out the front is pretty good; you sit higher than expected and
the windscreen is big. You can't quite see the nose of the car, but you
soon learn to compensate. The view rear is less good, as the rear
window is small and the rear pillars are quite thick. At least the
steering is light at low speed and rear view mirrors are a good size.
Spare Wheel
Space saver fitted as standard.
Range information
Petrol engines - 2.2 JTS (185bhp);
3.2 V6 JTS (260bhp). Diesel engine - 2.4 JTDM (200bhp). Six-speed
manual gearbox fitted across the range. 3.2 V6 comes as standard with
Q4 four-wheel drive system. Trim levels: base and SV.
Alternatives
BMW 3 Series Coupe Best driving experience but can prove expensive
Nissan 350Z Affordable, attractive and great to drive. Cabin quality could be better, though
Peugeot 407 Coupe Large Peugeot is refined and well equipped. More a GT than serious performance car
Audi TT Coupe Original TT a huge hit but not great to drive. Second-gen car promises to be better
