SPORTING CHANCE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 115

The British will argue of course, but real sports cars are Italian. Always have been. In the late 80s and early 90s, however, the Latin makers, like our own marques allowed the Japanese to dominate in a market that was never theirs. The Alfa GTV was the car with the remit of redressing the balance. From 1996 to 2005, Alfa Romeo's GTV models did a fine job of establishing themselves in the UK just as the affordable European sportscar was enjoying something of a renaissance. It's pleasant to report then, that these are cars which do this famous marque much credit. A good few are available on the used market and are tempting propositions indeed.

Modelsword count: 18

Models Covered: ALFA ROMEO GTV (APRIL 1996 - TO DATE) GTV [16V TS Lusso and Turismo, 24V Lusso]

Historyword count: 205

The GTV already had quite a history behind it. The Bertone-bodied GTV coupes of the 1970s are already classics but the 1996 car reprised that theme in a better-built guise. In April 1996, Britain belatedly got the latest GTV Coupe (along with the Spider convertible version), though only with the choice of one engine - the 2.0-litre 16v Twinspark unit used elsewhere in the Alfa range. Over on the Continent, they also had the choice of a turbo four cylinder and a 3.0-litre V6. September 1998 saw a small increase in power on 2.0-litre engines from 150 to 155bhp. The V6 came over here in tiny numbers in GTV coupe form in the Summer of 1998 and was incorporated into the right hand drive GTV range fully in the 1999 model year revisions announced shortly after. A six-speed version was added in June 1999. At the same time, the 2.0-litre twin spark models were offered in entry-level Turismo and upspec Lusso versions. In summer 2003, new 2.0JTS and 3.2-litre V6 engines were announced and a mild facelift was unveiled, chiefly involving a larger front grille and capacity inside for a satellite navigation system. The, arguably, even more beautiful Brera coupe replaced the GTV in 2006.

What You Getword count: 130

One of the most beautiful sportscars you can buy - at any price. The GTV is beautiful and sounds even better than it looks. The styling is unmistakably Alfa Romeo, from that trademark triangular grille, through those distinctive twin circular headlamps, to the stubby, dynamic tail treatment of the GTV. Certainly, build quality is up to the highest mid 90s Teutonic standards, an essential attribute given that Alfa had Audi, BMW and Saab in its sights when designing the car. Even the sports seats have Germanic firmness, though reveal themselves as being comfortable and supportive over longer distances. Just as surprisingly for long suffering Alfisti will be the excellence of the driving position. The steering wheel is adjustable and the stylised dashboard, with its deeply recessed dials, easy to absorb.

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