BLINDING ENVYIf envy is blind then why does the new Alfa Romeo Brera tease your vision like a double chocolate fudge cake on the gruelling tenth day of your single again diet? Let’s face it, the very substance of visual appeal is a powerful device, it’s the initial head-turning quality that holds our stare and captivates our imagination. Why else would the world’s most famous chefs take so much care in presentation? And if we had these luxuriously calorific foods every day would we be as obsessed? It seems that in human nature there is a desire to work for things so that we can be duly rewarded with whatever our anticipation has deemed so worthy.
We are a nation who love to be in awe and who love to yearn so when beauty such as the Brera is flaunted our way, that natural drive to pursue it starts burning inside. But what is it about the Brera that is so easy on the eye?
The rear end is by far our favourite view of the coupe, rounded to precision, the arrow-head shaped screen points down to a well-sculpted pair of wedge-shaped tail lights that are integrated in to the bumper. The quad tail pipes are also a notable styling touch that subtly characterise its clean design, as does the minimal overhang at the rear.
The front looks a lot more angry with its low furrowed brow and the slight width of its headlamps. The configuration of circular lights are again cleverly incorporated in to the grille, the lower half of which matches the arrow head rear windscreen. The front end also has a dramatically sweeping windscreen which flows into a sunshine-reaping glass roof. The multi-spoke wheels and tapered waistline also uphold its athletic virtues and this fresh-faced heir to the GTV has certainly impressed upon us the brand’s new and exciting vision for the future. Overall the Brera concept has stayed true to its original crowd-pulling features. Except for the flip-up doors it exhibited at the 2002 Geneva Motorshow, though we had an inkling these would be absent.
Any how, we’ve established that it fits its Milanese heritage and it`s at home in a fraternity of beautiful people who like to lunch Al Fresco and dress in the latest Dolce and Gabanna attire. But does it cut the mustard when it comes to driving out on the open road? Well just close your eyes for a second and imagine the base note of that 3.2litre V6 engine tantalising you to reach its peak of 237lb ft of torque. Its 43/57 torque split is biased to the rear incidentally to aid the traction, however a 72/28 or a 28/72 split is also possible depending on conditions. The torque is available right through to the higher rev range and a top whack of 260bhp is also on tap. From a standing start, the Brera all-wheel drive Q4 is pretty keen to get to 62mph and achieves this speed in a swift 6.8 seconds. At the other end of the scale, it can reach speeds of almost 150mph.
There’s also the slightly tamer but still very sporty, 185bhp 2.2litre engine which is expected to shift pretty quick in the UK market. Its peak torque of 170lb ft comes in to play at much lower revs and the sprint to 62mph only takes 8.6 seconds. It will pull right up to 138mph and the symphony of its engine is sure to enhance the whole driving experience. Or maybe a 2.4litre turbo charged diesel is more to your liking; its 200bhp engine also has a very impressive 295lbft of torque to boot. The Brera’s engines have all been designed in conjunction with the Fiat Auto group. GM and the Fiat Auto Group have collaborated on a number of technical projects together and this is unlikely to be the last duo. All Brera models feature a six speed transmission which although well tuned to the engine may take a bit of getting used to. Then there’s its braking which is promised to be a powerful and smooth operation, the V6 having slightly bigger brakes from the Brembo range.
The Brera’s stylish interior and standard equipment is pretty favourable, the coupe even offers us rear seats. Yet although these may well be suitable for children, their practicality for taller adults is somewhat over optimistic. The fuel consumption of its entry level model though is a practical 30.1mpg and its emissions of 221g/km aren’t too much of a shock to the earth’s atmosphere.
The price tag however is a bit harder to swallow, surpassing some of its Japanese rivals by a matter of thousands. Perhaps Milan’s delightful new toy is hoping to innovate, rather than compete? It has certainly set itself on a pedestal and the company also seems pretty confident about its reliability some years down the line.
Of course the sheer magnetism of its design will be the initial pull for the audience. Those that fall in love at first drive are sure to pay the price rather than let their pride be consumed by envy.
Verdict
FOR: Simply stunning, pretty practical and loads of fun
AGAINST: Well its quite pricey and running costs aren`t tipped to be cheap either.
CONCLUSION: When nothing else can quite compare, give in to the envy!
Spec
ENGINE: 3.2 litre V6
POWER: 260bhp
TORQUE (lb/ft): 237lb ft
0-62mph (sec): 6.8
TOP SPEED: 149mph
BRAKES: Brembo
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