Alfa Romeo - GT

2004 onwards 

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The 156-based GT is Italy's answer to the 3-Series and CLK coupes: unashamedly flashy, but not too compromising to own and live with. There's even an economical diesel version.

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	Stylish four-seater sports coupe
	Excellent engines that sound good
	Better built than 156
	Just a bit too flashy
	Limited rear seat space
	Wide turning circle

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The GT coupe is based on the 156's underpinnings, but has been tuned for even more responsive handling as well as improved comfort; it beats the 156 and newer 147 on both counts. Seating four in comfort and five at a push, it is a little tight in the back but by no means cramped; the rear seats are foldable and the boot is hatchback-style.

The well-finished cabin suggests that build quality is improved; although it's too early to tell yet, the GT should prove more reliable than the 156 and 147, with early problems ironed out in many shared components. With multi-adjustable seats, it should be easy to get a decent driving position, but the ongoing Alfa issue of cumbersome, over large turning circles persists. Engine choices in the UK are 2.0 JTS and 3.2 V6 (240 bhp) petrol units, or the economical 1.9 JTD diesel; Selespeed sequential transmission is optional with JTS and V6 versions.