London Motor Show 2008: Alfa Romeo

When you arrive at the Alfa Romeo stand, you stop and ask yourself a question… have we really come to see and assess cars? Yes, but let’s say its spectacular design and the good female presence cloud one’s judgement.

The 8C Competizione is a diamond in the rough. Its bodywork reads “don’t stop looking at me”, and when you consider that this seductive sports car could charm you just as much, or more, with its rear-wheel-drive layout… phew! The urge to tame it is irresistible, dear readers.

But the 8C was out of reach on the stand, even though two versions were present (a red coupé and a white convertible), and both were there purely for show. The one that was there for more than just show was the Mi.To.

Let’s be serious: its finish is not as good as its rivals’ (see Mini), it isn’t priced within everyone’s reach, and it doesn’t have stratospheric handling with the current engines and versions. It will need time, and the GTA badge will need to lend it its charm, so that the Panda platform is forgotten thanks to better driving sensations.

But… good heavens! Have you seen the design? It is more than inspiration inherited from the 8C; it is a serious candidate to eclipse it if we’re not careful… As I was saying, the materials and finish disappoint a little, but being generous… we can’t ask an Italian to stop being Italian. It’s a matter of clichés they shouldn’t give in to, but which we accept overlooking in light of other good arguments.

The driving position is good, although with reduced visibility; it reminds me of a Seat León but smaller. I didn’t get to try the rear seats, but I imagine it won’t be a particularly comfortable journey. The boot doesn’t have great capacity either, though its buyer will leave the dealership thinking about finding a fun road rather than where to put the shopping.

In short, a perfect car. Yes, perfect. This is a personal view, but when you survey the market and look at the equivalents, you find they are all products seeking a good balance and to be as useful as they are saleable. The Alfa is an attractive sweet; it doesn’t matter what it tastes like, it creates addiction, and its wrapping is the eternal envy of any other car.

Without hesitation, I’d put one in my garage.

We leave you with a few photos of the stand – cars, girls and rosso -:

Photos | Highmotor