Alfa Romeo Spider
Lopping the roof off a coupe rarely does it many favours. Often the proportions go to pot, the chassis gets an attack of the vapours when shown a corner and any semblance of practicality goes right out of the window. Given that the prime objective of most convertibles is to look fantastic, losing the proportions is inexcusable. The other two we can work around but thankfully Alfa Romeo has got things spot on when it comes to their Spider.
This model manages somehow to be even better looking than the Brera coupe on which its based. Part of the reason for this is the rather unflattering discrepancy between the amazing Brera prototype coupe shown at the 2002 Geneva Show and the production car. The convertible wasnt preceded by a car with a longer bonnet, flip up doors and a shape that looked like an automotive excess, so it carries no baggage in that regard. What it does have to live up to are some classic Alfa shapes from the past including the Duetto and the latter day GTV.
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If you havent driven a contemporary Alfa Romeo, you might be in for a bit of a surprise with this car. Drop into the cabin and youll find it hard to escape the conclusion that this convertible is better screwed together than many so-called premium German rivals. The paint finish, the panel fit, the materials quality and the simple but elegant design of the cabin all score big points. The roof mechanism may not feature a trendy folding hard top but such a system would not only compromise its bonny lines but would also tack quite a bit onto an already rather beefy kerb weight figure.
"Here it is. La Dolce Vita made metal"
The electrically operated fabric roof is quite an installation, the five-layer system insulating the cabin from wind and road noise while also offering excellent thermal insulation properties so often a bugbear of convertible cars. The penalty for enjoying the fresh air is the removal of the Brera coupes rear seats, but these vestigial items were really only any good for slinging a bag onto. Practicality isnt a Spider strong point, the boot holding a rather mean 235 litres although the roof doesnt impinge on that capacity when folded down. On the plus side, there are some cubbies instead of rear seats that keep your belongings safe and sound.
The entry-level 2.2-litre car looks set to be the big seller and prices start at around £26,000 for the 2.2-litre JTS model. While that is quite a slice of wedge, its junior exotic looks and charismatic engine give it some real personality.
Taking 8.8 seconds to get to 60mph from rest and topping-out at 138mph makes this a brisk rather than concussive performer. Alfa Romeo predicts that it will take 60 per cent of UK sales and its not hard to see why. The 185bhp engine returns a decent 30mpg fuel figure and emissions arent unreasonable at 221g/km.
If youre not all about cornering a car on its door handles, then this makes a very interesting choice. As does the 2.4-litre JTDM diesel with its 200bhp output. This engine has the most torque and best fuel economy in the Spider range but the idea of a diesel roadster may take some getting used to.
The range-topping Spider variant is the storming 3.2-litre all-wheel drive Q4. This model will hit 60mph in 7.0 seconds and packs a 260bhp punch.
Alfa claims that the Spider chassis is some 25 per cent stiffer than the GTV soft top, but anybody whos ever driven a GTV Spider will realise that this is a decidedly modest claim for torsional rigidity. The soft tops additional electric motors and chassis bracing adds around 60kg to the kerb weight of an equivalent Brera coupe but when the focus isnt on ultimate dynamics, this isnt so much of an issue. The Spiders interior retains the by now almost obligatory Alfa sense of occasion. With plenty of metallic finishes to lift the fascia and driver-oriented instruments, the design also makes a nod or two to tradition.
How many other cars still retain an oil temperature gauge? The Spider has and its a welcome touch. Theres a voguish starter button and minor controls on the steering wheel. With plenty of adjustment in both the seat and the steering column, even taller drivers will easily find a comfortable driving position. It would be easy to be hard on the Spider, decrying it as a car that cant face down its rivals on an objective basis, instead relying on woolly notions of perceived desirability and charisma.
To do so is to miss the point of this car. Convertibles tend not to be bought for entirely pragmatic reasons and the best looking cars usually sell. Although it might get sniffed at in the pages of evo magazine, I have a suspicion that real world buyers are going to find the Spider right up their street.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Alfa Romeo Spider range
PRICES: £25,995-£31,250 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-19
CO2 EMISSIONS: 221-289g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.2] 0-60mph 8.8s Max Speed 138mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.2] (urban) 21.7mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg / (combined) 30.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and knee airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, ABS with brake assist
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4393/1830/1318mm
