A coupe must look good, sound good and have performance to match. The GTV succeeds on all accounts. The two-litre engine isn't a match for the V6 in terms of power or indeed aural satisfaction. But it is probably the best sounding four cylinder engine you can buy. Gearing is well matched to the engine's power band and third gear will power you from around 30 to about 90mph quicker than you would believe.

Plus points are good fuel economy (esp. for a car of this type), phenomenal handling, cheap servicing and good build. Minus points are restricted to the fact that Alfa haven't got the after-sales package right yet, (at least not in the UK) with Alfa Romeo service departments still treating customers very poorly indeed.