IN THIS FEATURE Now in right-hand-drive Two plus zero Dealing with quality issues Another GT

We're optimistic, though, as Nicoll's determination to get rid of the worst offenders, and give the other franchise-holders the support they need, is near-messianic. He even hints that if Alfa can turn around in the UK, Lancia could make a return with the next Delta and possibly also a Fulvia Coupe based on the sensational concept that appeared at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003.

The doubts remain about quality, however. Besides the cost-cutting measures described above, both test cars I drove had squeaking trim panels over rougher roads. While the 159 saloon has been warmly received as a much better-built proposition than earlier efforts, the Brera does not appear to match up as well to expectation. As for the long-term outlook, only time will tell if Alfa has really raised its game enough to counter historic perceptions.

The Alfa Romeo GT may be a better buy than the Brera

There is, though, one much larger elephant sitting in the room that needs addressing.

The similarly priced 156-based Alfa Romeo GT remains on sale. This does a lot of what the Brera does, yet it has vastly more space in the back and in the boot. All of which makes us wonder why Alfa didn't just make the Brera a more hardcore two-seater, instead of a prettier - but less practical - alternative to a car it already has in its range.