Share

Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider

accreditation
The latest Alfa Spider comes with 2-litre or 3.2-litre power
The latest Alfa Spider comes with 2-litre or 3.2-litre power

The new-look cars were designed by the Pininfarina Style Centre, and the main styling feature is the retro "corporate" grille used across the Alfa Romeo family.

The bonnets have also been redesigned, with two converging ribs that emphasise a central bulge.

However, the designers have preserved the strong wedge-line and cut-off tail, as well as the strongly raked windscreen and the emphatically shelved side.

The profile of both sports models has also been kept, including the Alfa GTV's high cut-off end and the open-topped sports car's tapering rear.

Inside several new features have been introduced, most important being a lower driver seat (H point) for improved driving comfort.

New console

There's a black fascia and brand-new central console panel that houses the ASR key and radio. The lighting on the instrument panel and controls is now red.

The new power unit is a 3.2-litre V6 24-valve, with a power output of 176 kW at 6 200 r/min and 389 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min; there's also a four-cylinder 2-litre Twin Spark option on the Spider only.

This engine produces 110 kW at 6 300 r/min, with 181 Nm of torque at 3 800 r/min, and gives the Spider 2.0TS a top speed 210 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds.

The new V6 gives the faster of the "twins", the GTV, a top speed of 255 km/h, making it the fastest road-going car in Alfa Romeo's history. Both Spider and GTV car sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Both models come with an automatic climate control system complete with pollen filter and thorough soundproofing thanks to the body's high torsional and flexural rigidity. There are three new body colours: Brunello Red, Racing Green and Cobalt Blue.

Other improvements include a new double-layer hood on the Spider that improves looks and streamlining, and the mechanisms have been improved to make folding and unfolding operations easier, faster and safer.

The plastic rear window is secured to the outer skin by zip and Velcro, and can easily be removed and replaced.

Suspension

The front and rear suspension systems are derived from those of the original models but offer special settings and a few new mechanical details.


The new Alfa GTV, only with V6 power

The front suspension is an independent MacPherson system with lower wishbones and a new stabiliser bar for the version equipped with a 3.2 V6 24v unit.

The new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV come with a car radio plus CD player. The Spider and GTV 3.2 V6 models feature a CD changer and the Spider 2.0 T.Spark has a CD front loader. The system consists of four speakers complemented by a rear subwoofer (one for the Spider and two for the GTV).

The radio is integral with the dashboard design.

As far as passive safety is concerned, the two new Alfas offer two front airbags as standard throughout the range. On the active safety front, both models offer ABS with EBD and ASR.

Fiat Auto South Africa offers owners of the Alfa GTVs and Alfa Spiders a 36-month/100 000 km dealer warranty, three years on paintwork and five years on anti-perforation, as well as a 36 month/60 000km maintenance plan.

The new models are also covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. Services are required at 20 000 km intervals.

Prices


Alfa Spider 2.0TS R329 000
Alfa Spider 3.2 V6 R369 000
Alfa GTV 3.2 V6 R359 000

Return to home page

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE