Iain Dooley checks out Alfa Romeo’s drop-dead gorgeous Brera coupe.

In 2006 Alfa Romeo introduced its new executive coupe, the Brera, after earlier concept versions had been received rapturously at shows.

The car is mechanically related to the 159 and is powered by the familiar 2.2 and 3.2 V6 petrol, plus 2.4 diesel engines. Equipment levels are high.

Engines

If the prospect of a diesel Alfa coupe makes you feel a little funny, you need to get out more. The 200 horsepower five-pot diesel available in the Brera is smooth and quiet yet delivers a knockout punch.

Petrol lovers will no doubt relish the chance to tame the flagship 3.2 V6, while the 2.2 petrol is there if you want to be seen at a more sedate pace.

Exterior

What’s not to like about the Brera? Its sexy curves and low-slung appearance is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes.

From the now trademark Alfa multi headlamp nose to its sweeping tailgate, the Italian coupe is the most glamorous car in its class by a significant margin.

Interior

If you’re familiar with Alfa’s 159 executive saloon, you’ll feel at home in the Brera. At the business end it’s pretty much a mirror of the 159 – sound ergonomics and the usual Alfa styling touches.

There’s not so much room in the back, with the car realistically a two-seater for adults only.

Driving

Front-wheel drive models are biased more towards comfort than outright performance, but when you have a car looking this good you want as many people to see it as possible, right? All-wheel drive is reserved for the flagship petrol V6 model and it makes a welcome difference.

Ownership

For all the Brera’s glamour, it’s a pretty easy car to live with. Once you appreciate that the rear seats are more for looking at than sitting in, you adjust your routine to suit.

Sitting low down, at first parking can seem tricky thanks to the modest rearward visibility but you soon adapt.

Elsewhere, the Brera behaves a lot like the 159, which is a good thing.

What To Look For

Kerbed wheels and parking dents often characterise cars that have lead a hard life in the city.

Make sure everything electrical works, and everything behaves as it should on the test drive. And being a relatively new car, all the paperwork – including any balance of the warranty – should be in order.

You might need to get in quick if you see one. The Brera’s ‘look-at-me’ styling ensures that examples do not hang around on forecourts for very long.

Second Glance…

Reasons to Buy

Sylish design, not a BMW or Audi; all-wheel drive flagship; impressive diesel variant.

Reasons to Beware

Not as sharp as a BMW or Audi to drive; rear seat space is modest; driving position won’t suit everyone.

Pick of the Range

Brera 2.4 JTDM.

What to Pay:

2006 06 – £17,190

2006 56 – £17,665

2007 07 – £19,490

Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.

By Ian Dooley