Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa continues its recent good form with the exquisitely styled Brera coupe. The Brera was never meant to be a production car, and started life as an ItalDesign concept car based around a Maserati in 2003. However, Alfa submitted to demand and went ahead with a production version. Developed alongside the 159 the Brera shares exterior and interior styling cues, as well as engines and gearboxes. With another coupe already in the Alfa line-up (the GT), the Brera can afford to be less practical, sacrificing rear space for elegance. Petrol and diesel engines are available (a first, Alfa claims, for a proper sports coupe) as well as four-wheel drive on the most powerful versions.

JTS, V6 JTS, JTDM

All Breras get stability control (with hill-holder clutch function), seven airbags, Isofix child-seat fixings on rear seats, heated door mirrors, electric windows, automatic climate control, trip computer, CD/radio, front foglights, cruise control, height adjustable driver's seat and 17-inch alloys. SV models add brushed aluminium trim inserts, electric folding mirrors, panoramic glass roof with electric blind, leather trim and stainless steel kick plates. Options include premium leather trim, heated seats, headlamp wash, bi-xenon headlights, 10-disc CD changer, MP3 reader, Bose audio system, visibility pack including automatic headlamps and wipers and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, luggage net, heated windscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, satellite navigation and Connect directory service.

2.2 JTS