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

'Do I crave a manual in a Porsche 911? Absolutely. But in a Nissan GT‑R? No way.'
Porsche 911 ST
Opinion

'Do I crave a manual in a Porsche 911? Absolutely. But in a Nissan GT‑R? No way.'

Jethro is celebrating the shift back to manual gearboxes – with one proviso
15 Feb 2025
Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry
Porsche Taycan charging
Opinion

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry and legislators cant meet in the middle and find a compromise soon enough
13 Feb 2025
Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring
Alpina B3 GT Touring
Reviews

Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring

A swansong for Alpina’s hot 3-series lineup, the B3 GT Touring is a fine and unique alternative to the very best fast estates
16 Feb 2025