Used Alfa Romeo Brera 2006 - 2011 review

The Alfa Romeo Brera has sharp steering that guides you accurately through bends. However, it's no sports car because there's too much body lean. Push hard and the front tyres wash wide – especially in heavier, V6-engined versions.

On the other hand, the four-wheel-drive system on the V6 allows more secure acceleration on greasy roads. The Brera is quite forgiving over patchy surfaces, but it tends to lurch over larger humps and shudder over potholes.

The interior appears to be built from high quality materials, however, Alfa Romeo's performance in recent reliability and customer satisfaction surveys has been disappointing.

Legroom is fine, but even drivers of average height are likely to end up with a crick in their neck, because the seat is too high – even in its lowest setting – and the panoramic glass roof steals even more space. Smaller drivers will struggle to find a comfortable balance of adjustment between the seat, steering wheel and pedals.

Although the Brera has four seats, you'd need a detachable head and arms to make yourself comfortable in the back. The boot provides a space for a weekend's luggage, but there's a hip-high lip, which you'll have to haul your bags over.

The Alfa Romeo Brera never had the impressive resale values of German rivals such as the Audi TT, and as such, is very tempting on the used market. Be wary of the petrol engines, though, as they are thirsty and expensive to repair.

Road tax and insurance premiums are high too, but that's to be expected because the Brera doesn't have an economy-focused engine in its range and those great looks are desirable enough to put it at risk of being stolen.

Two petrol engines were offered: our favourite 185bhp 2.2-litre, and a 260bhp 3.2-litre V6. A 207bhp diesel is available, too. Either petrol engine provides a great soundtrack and the performance to match. The 3.2, in particular, is muscular and swift. The 2.2 needs to be worked harder to make quick progress, but it's no slouch.

Dual-zone climate control, a CD player, cruise control, remote central locking, leather upholstery and 17in alloys are a standard fit. Standard safety equipment includes stability control and seven airbags.

Although the Alfa Romeo Brera was not tested, it's closely related to the 159 compact executive saloon, which was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

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