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Living in the shadow of a tradition of sporting and stylish Italian convertible coupes that has spanned over forty years, it must be a tough enough job for the latest Alfa Romeo Spider to uphold the values that made a legend. The new Pininfarina-designed body does just that, with more than just a retrospective nod to its 1960s ancestral heritage. The styling is unmistakeably modern; the cabin is host to neat and stylish controls and surfaces, ergonomically sound and great to look at, whilst the angles and curves and unmistakeable Alfa design cues combine to make this one of the prettiest cars on the road.

Striking in Monte Carlometallic blue, the supplied car was a 2.2 litre JTS variant, equipped with black leather seats and brushed aluminium control surfaces. This 2.2 JTS is powered by a high output 185 BHP, 4-cylinder, multi-valve power unit, linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. The maximum speed is 138 MPH.

Luckily I had the car during a sunny weekend (rare enough last Summer) and had plenty of opportunities to take the electrically operated soft-top down.Taking the car home on a Friday with the top down, the weekend feeling' was greatly enhanced zipping along the country roads was thoroughly enjoyable, the tuneful, high-revving engine was perfect for the job. The geometry, steering and suspension of the new Spider have been improved, providing better and more accurate handling and a more comfortable ride. All of these qualities were brought to the fore during my time with the car; over the years I've found that the rural County Down roads are a superb test for the abilities of sports cars and the Spider performed incredibly well. The pinpoint accuracy of the steering and huge amount of grip, combined with instant power was perfect for the twisty stuff, but ease off and this car is well behaved, quiet and comfortable. I've always liked the driving position in Alfa Romeo cars and thankfully the Spider has retained the familiar low, sporty seating.

The Spider draws admiring looks from all quarters, especially with the top down. The front end of the car complete with three driving lights and distinctive Alfa Grille, the bonnet hump, low shoulder line and aggressive muscular stance, all work incredibly well to provide a very pleasing package.

Fuel consumption is great, considering the type of car at 30 MPG on a combined cycle. Other variants in the range include a more frugal JTD diesel version and very quick 149 MPH 3.2 litre V6, four-wheel drive 3.2 JTS.

This is an incredibly good and well-respected roadster; born of stylish Italian radition and styled by one of the most famous designers of both classic and modern sports cars. The Alfa Romeo Spider represents beauty, performance, value for money and possesses the sort of heritage that most modern roadsters are sadly lacking.

Learn more about this author, Damian Doyle.
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