Skip advert
Advertisement

Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe and Spider review - it may look like a miniature supercar, but does it drive like one?

With a carbon fibre chassis, unassisted steering and those looks, how can the 4C fail to impress?

Evo rating
Price
from £53,255
  • Incredible looks and an exotic chassis
  • Steering, engine, steering, cabin quality and steering

evo Verdict

Arguably the 4C will never live up to the colossal expectations we put on it. It’s a small, rear drive, sports car with unassisted steering and a carbon fibre chassis. If that isn’t tantalising enough, it looks like a miniature Italian supercar. But above all, it’s an Alfa Romeo; a brand that despite not really having properly catered for enthusiasts since the 80s still has a reputation for being the connoisseur’s choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 4C doesn’t just fall short of our hopes it thoroughly disappoints. The focussed nature that the exotic carbon chassis and unassisted steering promise, is not something the 4C delivers on. There are times where the 4C is enjoyable, but the window is so narrow you rarely get to appreciate it.

However, that doesn’t stop it looking so incredible, nor does it stop it being an Alfa and that will be enough for some.

evo Tip

At £7000 more, the Spider is significantly costlier than the Coupe. As they are predominantly the same car, just one has a removable roof, it doesn’t seem worth the premium.

The Spider gets a different set of headlights though. They are much more like lights on the original concept and are much prettier than the units on the Coupe. But, £7000 is still a lot for some headlights.

evo Comment

‘The parpy exhaust note is entertaining in moderation, if not as cultured as those of six-cylinder rivals from Porsche and Lotus, and the styling will always be a highlight.’ David Vivian

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake Fast Fleet test – 5000 miles in the 316bhp estate
evo Fast Fleet Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake
Long term tests

Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake Fast Fleet test – 5000 miles in the 316bhp estate

Did its amalgam of practical body and Golf R underpinnings make for the perfect all-rounder?
6 Sep 2024
​Best superminis 2024 – our favourite small hot hatchbacks
Best superminis header
Best cars

​Best superminis 2024 – our favourite small hot hatchbacks

Fast superminis deliver the thrill of driving in its most basic, accessible form – these are our favourites
6 Sep 2024
Cupra Leon Estate 310 Fast Fleet test – six months in the 300bhp wagon
evo Fast Fleet Cupra Leon Estate 310
Long term tests

Cupra Leon Estate 310 Fast Fleet test – six months in the 300bhp wagon

Capable but not compelling, our Cupra from the ICE age has departed the evo Fast Fleet
3 Sep 2024