2001 Alfa Romeo GTV Lusso review from UK and Ireland

Bonnet lid stuck down. Required the dealer to adjust the bonnet release catch.

Fantastic engine. Useful in-traffic torque from 1000 revs, and seriously beefy from 2500 to 7000 revs. 4000 and above and it sings like an angel. Other cars I have driven sound like they are about to hernia when reved hard. This just sounds better and better all the way to the redline.

Handling is sharp and sweet. Some tramlining under braking. Car just sits on the road at all speeds, no rock, no roll, just plenty of feedback. The steering is very sensitive, with the 2.1 turns lock to lock meaning most cross country driving can be done without moving the hands on the wheel.

Brakes are OK, but not as much bite initially as you would expect. Press harder though and the car stops quickly and safely. Close pedals allow heel-toe braking.

Lovely smooth gears, well spaced and matched with the engine. Long travel gearstick with a circular top make it hard sometimes to be sure of the right gear. I'll be replacing mine with a short travel one. Long travel clutch also makes it easy to slip when setting off quickly.

Having such a powerful, versatile engine, combined with a good spacing of gears, means much less changing. You could cover miles cross country without getting out of second or third if you're driving hard. And this car loves to be driven hard.

The interior is comfortable, with a lovely old-school style. A red leather interior really adds to the occasion of driving the car, and is not overbearing. Some trim seems badly fitting, however rattles and squeaks are minimal.

Overall, it's a fantastic car to own and drive. I love mine to bits, and definitely made the right decision in buying one...