Living in the shadow of a tradition of sporting and stylish Italian convertible coupes that has spanned over forty years must be a tough job for the latest Alfa Romeo Spider. It must have been a daunting task to design a car that would promise to uphold the values that made a legend.
The new Pininfarina-designed body does just that,with more than just a retrospective nod to its iconic 1960s heritage. The styling is unmistakeably modern; the cabin is host to neat and stylish controls and surfaces, ergonomically sound and great to look at, whilst the angles and curves and unmistakeable Alfa design cues combine to make this one of the prettiest cars on the road.
Striking in Monte Carlo metallic blue, the supplied car was a 2.2 litre JTS variant, equipped with black leather seats and brushed aluminium control surfaces. This 2.2 JTS is powered by a high output 185 BHP, 4-cylinder, multi-valve power unit, linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. The maximum speed is 138 MPH.
Luckily I had the car during a sunny weekend (rare enough this Summer) and had plenty of opportunities retract the electrically operated soft-top.
Taking the car home on a Friday with the top down, the 'weekend feeling' was greatly enhanced - zipping along the country roads was thoroughly enjoyable, the tuneful, high-revving engine was perfect for the job.
The geometry, steering and suspension of the new Spider have all been improved, providing better and more accurate handling and a more comfortable ride. All of these qualities were brought to the fore
during my time with the car; over the years I've found that the rural County Down roads are a superb test for the abilities of sports cars and the Spider performed incredibly well. The pinpoint accuracy of the steering and huge amount of grip, combined with instant power was perfect for the twisty stuff but ease off and this car is well behaved, quiet and comfortable. I've always liked the driving position in Alfa Romeo cars and thankfully the Spider has retained the familiar low, sporty seating.
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