I have only just dried my eyes from the departure of the TT and wasn't sure how I'd feel in the big leather chairs of this sedate cruiser after spending nine months zipping about in a turbo-assisted coupe. Happily things have started well ΂- I've become an instant fan of the 3-litre V6.

The 166 is quick (0-60 in 7sec) and doesn't feel sluggish, even after the TT. Indeed, it doesn't feel like a big car from the driving seat thanks to typically crisp Alfa Romeo handling and poise. It's only when you turn around and see all that space, then a boot behind that, that you realise how long the body is.

My biggest gripe so far is the excessive torque-steer you feel when trying to convert all that naturally aspirated power into drive at the front wheels. It's really pronounced, especially in first and second ΂- it takes concentration and correction to keep the thing in a straight line. Shame the driving wheels aren't at the back.

The six-speed 'box is a dream and feels as smooth as the engine sounds at low speed. Alfa's wonderful voice kicks in at around 3000 revs. It's a lovely thing as it emerges from comparative silence to a marvellous howl.

My daily journeys these days alternate between 60-mile runs to Northamptonshire and 25-mile slogs into central London. The 166 suits both, and appears to hold its own in terms of presence amongst the glamorous metal you meet on the streets of the capital.

There is no doubt that I miss the TT's compact frame and agility, but the upside is space. The 166's cavernous boot comes at a good time, what with a second Junior Pattison creating more baggage by the month. We went to the coast at the end of August and managed to take an enormous amount of kit with us. We even had room for the inflatable dinghy.

Most impressive gadget on the 166 is its navigation system. Thankfully easy to use, it gives the option of being guided vocally, by graphics, or simply by following a highlighted route on a map. The grief this thing can save ΂- especially off the motorway and into unfamiliar territory. We went up to Preston last weekend to visit my brother-in-law in his new house. I tapped in his address and the system got us there two minutes ahead of its predicted time of arrival. The only downside is that I find it a distraction when it's in map mode. I'm a map junkie, which makes it difficult for my eye not to be drawn to the screen while driving in alien parts of the country. The facility to zoom in and out just makes it worse.

Sat nav will probably help to drive the car in the future. There are times when I'm stuck in the Smoke and the idea is not without appeal...