this sexy bottom never fails to catch the eye of passers-by. A collaboration between Giorgetto Giugario and the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the Brera's sharply cut lines and distinctive styling set the car apart from the rest of the coupe hatch-back herd. The exposed individual headlights endow the car with an almost nostalgic air.
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Don't worry though, it's purely aesthetics and the Brera doesn't inherit any of the mechanical and reliability gremlins that plagued early Alfa Romeo cars. And who can forget the sexy 18-inch telephone dial alloy rims:
The cabin is tastefully done-up in contrasting reddish brown-bruisey blue, a colour combination that would look gauche in any other car except another italian. it's a cosy place to be in, with a surprisingly comfortable driving position (gone are the days of the classic italian ape driving position) and both front seats feature electric adjustment.
The Brera is better-off in 2-seater guise since the rear +2 seats are pretty much useless for adult AND child passengers, even with average height front occupants.
There's even a gorgeous full length panoramic glass roof, which really adds to the Brera's lifestyle cachet. Xenon HID headlights, dual-zone climate control and a factory hi-fi are the other premium amenities.
Pushed hard, the 3.2L V6 at the heart of the Brera feels woefully underpowered, probably due to the extra weight of the Q4 (Quadrifoglio) permanent four-wheel drivetrain, but true to Alfa form, sounds wonderful as it works its way up the rev band. The engine and exhaust aural experience give one the impression the car is travelling faster than it really is.
the suspension and chassis are nicely supported to help the Brera go as well as it 'shows'. ride over poor roads isn't even as crashy as the earlier cars. the steering is nicely weighted and decently communicative (2.25 turns lock to lock, 10.7m turning circle). the brakes though, even with the Brembo front callipers feel wooden and don't inspire much confidence but they're adequate to bring the car to a standstill with a hard stomp.
The 2.2L featured a lacklustre 6-speed manual box, but the Q-Tronic automatic in this 3.2L is nicely matched to the car's character, although there's a discernible transmission shunt when the car slows down to a standstill and the gearbox drops to 1st gear. In Tiptronic-style override mode, the box shifts slickly and quickly, a big change from the brand's infamous Q-system of earlier cars.
Fast Facts: Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 V6 Q4
Engine: 3195cc, 24-valves V6
Maximum power: 260bhp at 6300rpm
Maximum torque: 322Nm at 4500rpm
Transmission: Q-Tronic automatic
0-100km/h: 7 seconds
Top speed: 240km/h
LxBxH: 4413x1830x1341mm
Wheelbase: 2525 mm
Kerbweight: 1630kg
Price: $195,800 (with COE)
Agent: EuroAutomobile Pte. Ltd.
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