30 Jun 04
Outside the GTA can be identified by its bolder chin spoiler and splitter, deeper bumpers and some sill extensions that do not prettify it one bit - especially since they appear to be unacceptably prone to stone-chipping. There's also a set of very bold 'telephone-dial' alloy wheels whose ventilations holes make it very easy to see the red-painted brake callipers.
If all this sounds slightly crass, the Alfa's cultured good breeding becomes apparent when you twist the key. The V6 settles to a subtle, deep-throated burble, and you soon find that the pedals and gearlever move with a satisfyingly weighty and slick precision. Shortly after, you'll be impressed by the quick-acting steering, and the clean way the car can slice round a corner. The aura of sophistication is heightened by the low noise levels, the well-assembled solidity imparted by the interior, which failed to generate a single squeak during some very hard driving, the surprising suppleness of the ride and the satin-smooth power delivery of the V6. Contrary to Alfa's claims of plentiful torque, the truth is that you need to have 4000 rpm on the rev counter before the engine really gets working, but you certainly won't be disappointed when it does. The GTA literally bounds towards the horizon as you sink the accelerator, and despite the high speeds it's capable of - it tops out at 155 mph - your enthusiasm for using the power is in no way curtailed when you get to the twisty bits. This Alfa can dance its way through curves with satisfying grace and an amazing lack of drama even at improbably high speeds. The sense of agility is heightened by the quick-acting steering and the GTA's refusal to understeer unless pushed very hard. If you have overdone it, you can tighten its trajectory simply by easing of the throttle. In other words, it can be part-steered by the accelerator, which may sound outlandish but soon comes naturally - and adds immeasurably to the pleasure. Be in no doubt that the GTA steers, corners and stops with ability on a far higher plane than the standard car, itself more than passable, can manage.
