IN THIS FEATURE Looks and talent Electronic aids Value for money

The Alfa GT may be the most attractive Alfa Romeo for years, with a svelte but powerful-looking shape, aggressive front end and poised rear. But Alfa's ad proclamation, 'beauty is not enough' holds true here - the GT also rides on an excellent chassis and employs three superb engines.

The 240bhp 3.2-litre V6 is magnificent but provokes loads of torque steer while the 1.9-litre JTD diesel, although very good, doesn't have quite the punch of the petrol 2.0-litre engine. The 2.0-litre JTS combines 165bhp with 152lb ft of torque, which makes it a good match for GT.

Go for bigger 17in alloys

The four-cylinder 16-valve direct injection petrol engine is mounted up front and is mated to either a five-speed manual or Selespeed gearbox. The GT wears 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, but 17-inch wheels are a must-have option. There are 18-inch alloy wheels available, but the extra width pinches from the GT's 11.5-metre turning circle.

For stopping power, there are 284mm ventilated discs up front and 276mm at the rear. ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) act on all four wheels to reduce stopping distances in poor conditions.