Alfa Romeo Spider Cabriolet 2007 - Present

The 2007 incarnation of the Alfa Romeo Spider offers a genuine rival to the German hegemony in the small executive Cabriolet market. The Alfa combines a sense of Italian flair and great performance with a keen price tag. The newest model echoes the roadsters of the 60s while keeping the switchgear and controls modern and natural.

The Spider cuts a dashing figure as it sits by the kerb waiting for you to enter. With the roof down it is especially attractive, and as it takes less than 20 seconds to put the roof down, it's likely to be dressed like that at every given chance.

The engines are powerful and full of character, as we've come to expect from the Italian alternative. The engines come in three different flavours 2.2 and 3.2 V6 petrol or a 2.4 diesel. The diesel is the only option for those looking to get any sense of economy, giving back 41 mpg, where the 2.2 petrol unit offers 30 and the 3.2 goes as low as 23 mpg. They all perform well but the pick of the bunch is probably the smaller petrol unit. It is an easy, yet rewarding drive and you'll settle into using it almost instantly. The power is delivered smoothly and it's got plenty to give. It's quick enough to be fun with a 0-60 of 8.8 seconds and a top end of 138 mph. The 3.2 is also great and does offer a fantastic soundtrack to your drive, but the difference isn't enough to really justify the hideous running costs. For the purely pragmatic the diesel presents the best balance of power and economy but buying an Alfa is more likely done with the heart than the head.

The Spider handles well although not quite as sharply as some of it's rivals, although it's in amongst some pretty great cars. The levels of grip are good and cornering can be undertaken with confidence at reasonable speed. The steering offers good feedback if not quite the greatness of the BMW Z4. With the roof down it's hard not to feel somewhat smug as you drive through town as you tend to keep looking at your reflection in shop windows.

The interior is finished with top quality materials, which again adds to the luxury feel of the car. The controls are logical and sensibly placed. There are nice touches throughout the cabin, such as the Italian writing on some of the dials.

With the roof down the Alfa presents a real dilemma for people looking for one of the German soft tops, and reports of Alfa service teams going to great lengths to change their customer care reputation may prove enough to see the Spider catch a few more flyers.

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