The Alfa Romeo Brera is the latest in Alfa's proud history of mixing style with performance. It is interesting to note that the Brera is very often overlooked when it comes to affordable sports cars, but their 3.2 turbo Q4 SV version is somewhat livelier than other hatchbacks which are usually placed in the same category.

The drive is incredibly responsive. The steering feels suitably firm and the control is there. The whistle of the turbo is reassuring when you plant the right foot and the performance brakes are there to match. This, coupled with striking and very appealing design, interior looks & wheels make the higher end of the Brera spectrum alluring.

There are, however, a number of snags. The boot is surprisingly small given the way the car looks from the outside. The seating position feels uncomfortable. No combination of seat controls could make me feel at home in the car as you sit fairly high within the car. The rear seats would struggle to fit three kids, let alone adults.

For an engine of that size and quality, I would have expected performance figures to be significantly above what they are, especially given the money you'll be splashing out on petrol and regular servicing. While the Brera definitely feels like an upgrade from the Alfa GT, it is by no means a great finished product.

It is these negative points, together with Alfa Romeo's notoriously poor reliability standards which made me decide against purchasing one when I was seriously considering it and I still believe I made the right decision for me. It must be noted, however, that my wife quite likes the car and I would not be against her getting one in the future.