Alfa Romeo Spider

Our verdict

Buy a Spider only if you care about looking good first and going around a corner second. A very far behind second.

Comfort

At least with the roof off there's room for tall people. Space in the back is non-existent in the Spider (roof-stowage), but at least with the roof up it's warm, quiet and comfortable to cruise. Softer-feeling than the Brera on which it is based - for day-to-day work that's not a bad thing.

Performance

Three engines, none of which is earth-shattering. The range starts with a 2.2-litre petrol four, hits a peak at the 2.4-litre JTDM diesel (yup, along came a diesel Spider) and tops out at the lardy 256bhp V6 with four-wheel drive. All drive into the 140mph area, though the V6 is comfortably quickest to 62mph at 7.0 seconds dead. The same economy comes from the smaller petrol and the diesel at 41.5mpg, but you'll be lucky to get 16mpg from the V6.

Cool

Very cool for people who don't care much about the driving experience. Which includes my father-in-law, no matter how much I tried to put him off.

Quality

The Spider feels nicely solid. When it's standing still.

Handling

Oh my. The Spider brings back not-so-fond memories of chop-tops when that nickname was literal. The steering rack is way too fast on the Spider, making it fire into bends like a terrified rabbit. The problem is that it accentuates the large portion of bodyroll and understeer. There is grip, but you have to dig for it.

Practicality

Not the most practical of the convertible world, but the boot is OK for the sector.

Running costs

The lowest C02 rating comes from the frugal diesel, but beware when you can get an Audi TT for less.