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Alfa Brera give a lesson in style

 The New Alfa reza £.2 JTS V6
The New Alfa reza £.2 JTS V6
CHANCES are you've never heard of Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. But if a man with that name ever offers to make you a pizza, then you'd be advised to snap his hand off.

From cameras to trains and even a Bontempi organ (yes, really) Giugiaro's pencil has rarely been away from various items of design beauty these past 30 years or so.

Among the latest fruits of his labour is the absolutely stunning Alfa Brera, without doubt the best looking car this motoring journalist has ever had the chance to drive.

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It's a beauty which rolls all the way from the Brera's striking rear quarters to the distinctive shield on the front of the car which holds the Alfa's badge.

It's as muscular as it is well-proportioned, an end-to-end exercise in automotive aesthetics.

I loved the way that the Brera's Italian accent is also audible on the inside: dashes and dials are angled towards the driver and speak of romantic notions like benzina rather than plain old unleaded.

Stunning

The rest of the interior is simply stunning, boasting shades of the muscle cars which cruised without apology during the 1970s.

The sporting feel continues on the dashboard, which envelopes the driver in a concaved wall of leather, dials and switches.

Even so, there were still hints that the budgets available to some other European manufacturers - particularly the Germans - aren't at the disposal of Alfa Romeo designers and engineers.

It's not that the Brera is poorly built, but it's not top quality either.

There also those who say it's impractical, too, but I found it to be anything but.

The rear seats may be on the small side and nowhere near so accessible as they are in the clever Mazda RX-8, but how many people really buy a coupé and then expect to be able to carry two burly pals around in the back?

I even took the Brera on the customary trip to the DIY store and was pleasantly surprised at just how accommodating the rear of the car could be with the split rear seats lowered.

The Brera comes with a range of engines, which is soon to be expanded, and is based on the 159-saloon car, cut short to bolster handling.

Achilles' heel

Even so, I think that handling is the Brera's one Achilles' heel.

Alternatives include a Mazda RX-8 or a Nissan 350Z, and while neither boast the Brera's kerb appeal, both were better when driven enthusiastically.

Maybe it was the parlous state of Britain's roads, but the car I drove didn't seem to brake in a straight line and didn't inspire me with confidence during fast acceleration.

Ultimately, I'm afraid that the Brera is a car which provides certain proof that beauty is only skin deep.

Many a man or woman would brave a swim across Lake Garda to sample its good looks.

But I'm not so certain they'd cross the Irwell to escape the many cars in this class which simply perform and handle much better.

What do you think? Have your say.

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