Alfa Romeo GT (2004-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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Not all Alfa seats are great - the GTA's are too hard, the regular 147's short on lower back support - but the GT's are comfortable and reinforce in the right places. Yet better news is that even the V6, with its big, low-profile tyres, has an absorbent ride without the thump and shudder that can plague this family of cars. The rear suspension can thud occasionally, but it's more heard than felt. The dual-zone automatic air-con is effective, wind noise is low, road noise is not intrusive and the V6's sound is music. Not so the JTD, but its deep thrum doesn't annoy.

Clearly the GT has less space than the 156 whose wheelbase the GT shares (the 147's is slightly shorter), but it's still very commodious for a coupe, with decent rear legroom, bearable rear headroom for three compact adults and a generous boot. The rear seats fold for extra load space - they also have a ski flap - and the boot contains two horizontal storage 'cupboards', one of which can house the optional CD stacker. There's a movable net divider to hold luggage in place, too; it's all very much like the 156 Sportwagon's cargo bay. A big glovebox, sensible door pockets and a pair of cupholders (one in the facia, one behind the handbrake) completes the picture.

A full-screen sat-nav with Alfa/Fiat's interactive Connect information service is optional, but all GTs have a 4x40W stereo system and a CD player. Other options include an MP3 player and a Bose sound upgrade with a sub-woofer. Controls are straightforward, sound quality is fine.