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| Alfa
Romeo Brera 3.2 Q4 |
Broadcast
date : 22nd April 2007 |
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The Alfa Romeo Brera could be
described as the front-man for Alfa Romeo’s current line-up
with it’s hooded multi-lamp front end looking somewhat
ee-veel. Not just evil, but ee-veel, as in menacing,
with more than a touch of malice.
The rest of the car, too, has that hint of darkness about its
styling, with the occupants shrouded in mystery as there’s
so little glass area in relation to the extravagant,
curvaceous sheet metal.
Curvaceous, sure. How’s that for a rear-end?
In many ways the Brera’s cockpit is Alfa’s most convincing
pot-pouri of style and function since the original Giuletta
Sprint of the mid-fifties. There’s a distinct aura of
function and classicism. The brushed aluminium is substantial
rather than after-thoughtish, and the quality of plastics,
leather and carpeting is pleasing, all pieced together with
commendable solidity.
There’s a glass-top roof too, perhaps an after-thought that
became a necessity after pre-production product clinics.
The biggest factor vis-à-vis driver satisfaction comes from
the transmission in this car. It’s the new Q4
all-wheel-drive system, giving South African motorists their
first taste of Alfa’s version of four driven wheels. And
what a good system it is!
The Brera feels absolutely planted in any road situation, and
the car never feels cumbersome in slow corners, with no hint
of debilitating nose push, or ponderous steering.
As for performance, we get the feeling that the fabled Alfa V6
is nearing the end of its useful life-span, and that a
re-design is called for.
Yes, it sounds wonderful, but with the extra weight and
running-gear drag dictated by the Q4 all-wheel-drive system,
the car just doesn’t feel as quick as it should. Not R480
000 kind of quick, in any event.
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Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 Q4
- Engine: V6 petrol,
3 195 cc
- Power: 191 kW @ 6
200 rpm
- Torque: 322 Nm @ 4
500 rpm
- Transmission:
Six-speed manual, all-wheel-drive
- 0-100 km/h: 7,3
seconds (claimed)
- Top speed: 250 km/h
(limited)
- Fuel consumption:
14,3 litres/100 km (estimated)
- Price: R485 000
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