The days of chronic Alfa ergonomics – still obvious in the decade-old GTV – are laid to rest with the GT. The steering wheel is the perfect size and thickness and adjusts for reach and rake, and the pedals are well spaced, with only a slight offset.
The obligatory triple-cowled binnacle houses handsome black-on-white dials with a digital display beneath. Most of the dash comes from the 147 and that’s no bad thing: it’s well laid out and looks special, with a smattering of silvered plastics.
The seats are faced with Alfatex, a cross between velvet and suede that looks like crushed velour reborn for the noughties, but works well. They’re comfortable too, with good thigh and hip support – though they are narrow across the shoulders.
A low roofline means poor rearward vision and an oppressive feel in the back, but there’s room for two adults due to the deep rear seats, which offer decent legroom and supportive squabs, if not a great deal of headroom. Lift the hatchback and there’s a generous 320-litre boot, rising to 905 litres when the 60/40 split rear seat is folded.
BMW’s 320 Cd is the JTD’s only direct four-seat diesel coupé rival, though some may consider the Audi A3 2.0 TDi Sport (£19,350) and the Merc C220 CDi SE Sports Coupé (£23,270) as less sporting alternatives. Mercedes’ CLK 270 CDi is substantially costlier and though the £20,100 189bhp Mazda RX-8 is quick and well-priced, running costs put it out of contention.
Against the £24,410 320 Cd SE the Alfa’s £20,995 price looks competitive, particularly as it includes standard climate control, CD, six airbags and cruise control. The only option we’d insist on is metallic paint (£390), which brings out the sculpted flanks to avoid a slabby look.
With 150bhp and 239lb ft, the heavier BMW offers similar performance but can’t touch the Alfa for style.
