I had driven one of the early 2.0-litre GTVs when they were introduced in 1996. At the time I was unimpressed with the rather approximate build quality and, although the car made most of the right noises, it didn't have the performance to go with the looks. In 1998 the 3.0 24V GTV was launched in the UK and the model range was extensively revised. My local dealer, sensing another chance at a sale, was quick to proffer its new demonstrator for a weekend test-drive.

The improvement in build quality and general interior ambience (largely achieved by borrowing the best bits of the successful 156) was immediately apparent - closing the door now made the correct 'thunk' rather than sounding as if there were several empty Coke cans behind the trim. But as anyone who's lucky enough to have an Alfa V6 knows, the cosmetic improvements become secondary as soon as you start the engine and find a straight, camera-free (difficult, but still possible) stretch of road.

A year on and the noise that results from pressing the right pedal hard still has me grinning from ear to ear every time. This car is the ultimate in executive stress-therapy. Had a bad day in the office? Then find a suitable stretch of road, turn off the CD and I guarantee you'll be smiling in about six seconds.

Downsides? It's not a cheap car to run. Use the power frequently and you'll get to know your local filling station intimately. Mine has an appetite for the inside edges of its rear tyres which seems to be the way the wheel camber is set up - my local experts have checked it out and the settings are correct. Insurance at group 19 is neither for the young nor the easily scared (although the Alfa Owners' Club scheme lessens the pain considerably). However, the sheer pleasure of owning one of these comparatively rare cars makes the cost worthwhile.

Unfortunately, as with other Alfas, the main dealer service on the GTV was very poor. The car was returned with dirty leather, broken/missing interior trim etc. There's only so much of this you can, or should have to, take, so I was pleased when the motoring press confirmed that it is not necessary to take new cars back to main dealers to keep their warranties intact. Alfa has certainly improved its product quality but Alfa UK needs to make a concerted effort to improve the service side of some of its UK dealers.