Alfa Romeo 4C Spider review - design
Removeable roof and styling tweaks add a new layer to the 4C's appeal, but the Spider is still a flawed sports car
Design
Visual changes between Spider and Coupe are minimal, but not unwelcome. That the Spider removes a section of the roof is not a surprise, but the resulting effect suits the style of the car. Spiders also get an unpainted carbonfibre windscreen surround and rollover bar, which accentuates the lines of the bodywork. The roof itself is fabric and weighs 7kg. It’s possible to remove and refit in only a couple of minutes, and looks neat when in place. Sans roof, the cabin doesn’t become too windy.
More noticeable at a glance are the conventional headlights. The spider-eyed units on the Coupe, chosen for their light weight, are among the most divisive features on any modern vehicle and, while the projector-style xenon headlights on the Spider are less distinctive, they’re perhaps easier to stomach. These are now an option on the Coupe, too.
The engine cover is also unique to the Spider, replacing the glass panel of the Coupe with a traditional buttressed rear and a subtle rear spoiler.
