2001 Alfa Romeo GTV V6 review from UK and Ireland

Incessant squeaking of the front suspension from new. Apparently a joint was assembled upside down. Fixed under warranty.

Rear fog lights not working. Wiring damaged by the dealer while installing the stereo. Fixed under warranty.

Wind noise from the driver's window. To be fixed at the first service.

Front tyres wearing badly on the inside edges. Tracking to be checked at the first service.

I've been after one of these cars for what seems like ages; I fell in love with the shape long before hearing the fantastic voice that the V6 has.

This is a very fast car and yet is relaxing to drive at more modest speeds (once you're used to the lightning fast responses of the fly-by-wire throttle) due to the huge amount of torque that is on tap from very low revs.

At speed (I've had it at an indicated 150mph on an unrestricted autobahn), the car is very stable and composed. The only clue as to your velocity (apart from the blurred scenery) is the fantastic engine note which just gets better the nearer you get to the red line.

Although luggage space is limited, it is possible to pack enough luggage for two on a 2 week holiday, just so long as you use the rear seats as a parcel shelf!

Comfort is great on shorter journeys (I'm 6'2" and have plenty of head and leg room, although I've tried a car with a sunroof fitted and wouldn't suggest one if you're over 6'), but there's a lack of lower back support when you're on a cross-continent cruise.

Speaking of the seats, there definitely needs to be more lateral support, as I find myself hanging on to the steering wheel and passengers are flung about when you hit the twisty back roads at speed. The seats in the GTV Cup look quite promising... I wonder if they'll become available as accessories?

Economy is predictably poor around town - I find myself filling up at around 250 miles (although there is a generous reserve left in the tank when the warning light comes on). On longer cruises, the GTV comes into its own as a 'proper' grand tourer, returning 30mpg even on high speed runs, which allows for a far more useful 450 mile range.

Overall, this is a fantastic car. It's far more fun and less painful to own than I expected and I don't think we'll be parting company for quite some time.