- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
114kW, 187Nm
- Fuel
NA
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
Date of publication: November 22, 1998
CAR: Alfa Romeo Spider
PIGEONHOLE: Italian fashion accessory.
PHILOSOPHY: La dolce via ... and vita, too.
WHO'S BUYING IT: High percentage of midlife blokes, dedicated Alfisti and a smattering of first-time sports car seekers eager for the Italian experience.
WHY YOU'D BUY IT: To look good in plate-glass windows on Norton Street, Leichhardt. Sweet front-drive handling, lovely engine and linear, integratedclutch, gearbox and steering make it a driver's car. The added appeal is alfresco motoring at the push of a button.
WHY YOU WOULDN'T: Some variation in feel and finish between cars. An earlier example didn't feel anywhere near as tight and precise as this later test model.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Power steering, electric folding roof, central locking, leather trim, air conditioning, power mirrors and windows, alloy wheels. Only options are metallic paint ($950) or premium Momo leather interior ($2,000).
SAFETY: Alfa's owner Fiat has embraced crash worthiness big-time. The Spider has twin air bags, anti-lock brakes and front seat belt pre-tensioners, which bode well. Independent crash test data is not available.
CABIN: Decor varies from tasteful, muted shades to full Vatican red leather. Big-hooded instruments hint at Alfa's glory days but fit and finish arecontemporary 90s, with typical Italian flair. Storage space is limited.
SEATING: Makes no pretence at a rear seat. This is strictly a dual-pew cockpit but front buckets are supportive and comfortable.
ENGINE: Two-litre, twin-spark Alfa engine is like grandpa's axe and althoughnot particularly potent (114kW) it has loads of low-down pulling power. Beautifully matched gear ratios help. Sounds distinctive. Raspy rather than mellifluous.
TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual only, which reduces its appeal to fashion victims. If you appreciate finesse and function you will enjoy flat changing and double shuffling up and down this piece of Milanese mechanical magic.
STEERING: Alive and direct although a little light at the straight-ahead. Turning circle is not the best but parking is easy, providing the roof is down. Visibility is a problem when it's up.
RIDE: Fluent but firm without being harsh. The only disturbing factors are Australian potholes and patches, which send a shudder through the body.
HANDLING: Front-wheel drive fail-safe but still a lot of fun on a windy road. Weight is balanced 60:40 front to rear so the Alfa is at its best driven at 8/10ths with the roof down and the exhaust barking into the cockpit. Bewdiful!
FUEL: Around 14 litres/100km in the city grind but half that cruising on the freeway. Prefers premium.
BRAKES: Four-wheel discs with anti-lock are primo quality.
BUILD: The old Alfa bogey. Quality is getting better by the month, it seems. The Spider is a vast improvement on any previous model seen in Australia but still doesn't threaten Honda for finicky finish. Expect a few minor bugs.
WARRANTY: Three-years/100,000km on mechanical bits and six years on body corrosion, once an Alfa speciality.
ANTI-THEFT: Latest encoded key immobiliser technology but a convertible is always easier prey for city crooks.
AUDIO SYSTEM: Philips system with stealth CD hidden behind the fold-down fascia. The head unit is compatible with the CARIN navigation system. This can be fitted as an option from next month. Sound quality is OK but, as with many European sound systems, radio reception fails the Harbour Bridge test.
COST: For you, $66,000. Alfa dealers are playing hardball because stock is tight. A minor facelift is due in the New Year, mostly an updated interior.
VERDICT: Less of a red-hot macho machine, more a piece of mobile sculpture. The Spider is also a very pleasant drive. Appeals strongly to the emotions and will afflict those who buy with the heart, not the head.