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
RRP
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

£20k off a BMW M4 Competition – save a fifth on the best current M car
BMW M4 discount
News

£20k off a BMW M4 Competition – save a fifth on the best current M car

The BMW M2 is the M car of choice, at least at full price. When new M4s can be had with a 20 per cent discount, that complicates things
19 Jun 2025
The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is a hot hatch we’ve waited a decade for
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 – front
News

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is a hot hatch we’ve waited a decade for

Volkswagen is finally letting the Mk8 Golf GTI off its leash with a hardcore, track-honed version called the Edition 50. If it’s anywhere near as bril…
20 Jun 2025
Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6
Caterham Seven 310 Encore
News

Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6

It’s goodbye and goodnight for the Caterham Seven 310, with the 25-strong run of 310 Encores serving as the final farewell
11 Jun 2025