What is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?
BMW has added an all-new model to its line-up, a four-door 2 Series Coupe that’s a direct rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
It is the fourth of BMW’s swept-back four-doors, which have proved popular since the launch of the 5 Series Gran Turismo in 2009.
Despite the badge, it’s based on the new BMW 1 Series hatchback and not the older rear-wheel drive two-door coupe 2 Series.
Priced from $47,990, the Australian 2 Series Gran Coupe range mirrors the 1 Series line-up, starting with a three-cylinder 218i and stepping up to a punchy four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive M235i xDrive that starts at $69,990 before you start ticking option boxes.
We drove the more powerful car in Sydney as part of BMW’s local launch program.
What is the BMW M235i like to drive?
The M235i’s 2.0-litre turbo is BMW’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine and produces 225kW and 450Nm to power all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It’s not earth-shatteringly quick, but throttle response is swift and gear changes seamless and there’s a throaty exhaust note that lets out the obligatory racy pops, particularly when engaging the paddle shifters.
The xDrive set-up favours the front wheels and sends power to rear axle when needed, which can result in some rear flick when braking through bends.
The M Performance suspension is included in the price, though you can opt for the standard damping as a no-cost option if you prefer your ride a little softer. A good compromise is to stick with the sportier springs, but specify 18-inch wheels instead of the harder riding 19s that come standard but seem a little unnecessary for a car this size.
One of the cars we drove came with the $2200 M performance package that comes with 18-inch wheels, as well some Shadowline blackened exterior garnish.
Adaptive suspension is also available for $400, but is only available with 18-inch wheels for unspecified ‘engineering reasons”.
Ample front legroom means even taller people will have no trouble finding a good driving position and the leather sports seats are comfortable and provide excellent side bolstering.
What’s the BMW M235i like to live with?
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is a nicely proportioned car that borrows some design elements from its bigger coupe sedans including the frameless side windows, but its considerably shorter length doesn’t allow it to mimic their distinctive coupe silhouettes.
But it’s nicely styled, with the front end sporting one of the better examples of the new bold kidney grille styling, while other details such as creases, diffusers and fog-light surrounds give it a serious but sporty aesthetic.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe also feels big inside – BMW points out it’s actually roomier than the E46 3 Series (1997-2006), with a 55mm longer wheelbase and 33mm more legroom.
Luggage capacity is a handy 430-litres. The boot space is quite long but you might have trouble fitting bulky objects through the narrow aperture.
Priced at $69,990, the M235i xDrive costs $22,000 more than the three-cylinder, FWD 218i. Standard kit in both cars includes a head-up display, wireless phone charging, all the Connected Drive tech and a reversing assistant that will self-reverse about 50 metres in the same direction you just drove forward – great for getting in and out of tight spaces.
The extra coin spent in the M235i brings a more powerful powertrain and xDrive, M Sport brakes, and other extras including 19-inch M Light alloy wheels, M Sport seats, chunky M Sport steering wheel, Harman/Kardon premium sound system, adaptive LED headlights, two-zone climate control air-conditioning, power-adjusted front seats, leather upholstery, and rear spoiler.
Once inside the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s dashboard will look very familiar for anyone who has driven one of the new-model Bimmers. A 10.25-inch central takes centre place, with equal-sized screen used for the digital instrument cluster.
Wireless Apple CarPlay that no longer requires a paid subscription adds to the convenience and will be joined by wireless Android Auto in the middle of 2020 that will also have the ability to project directions on the head-up display when using a navigation app.
It also equips a BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that allows you to perform various tasks via voice activation starting with a “Hey, BMW” command.
The M235i’s 2.0-litre turbo consumes 7.6L/100km combined, compared the 218i’s frugal 1.5-litre three-cylinder’ 5.9L/100km consumption.
Like the rest of the BMW range, it is covered by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which now seems a little miserly considering the Mercedes-Benz new five-year coverage.
Does the BMW M235i represent good value?
In isolation, there’s a lot to like about BMW M235i. It’s a great overall package that oozes driver appeal and it nicely fills one of the few niches left in BMW’s line-up.
Its price slots between its $72,500 Mercedes-AMG A35 and $65,800 Audi S3 sedan rivals, while the sleek design is likely to win plenty fans over the M135i hatchback, despite the $6000 premium.
A more difficult decision is choosing between this and the entry-level 218i that still beings plenty to the table for $22,000 less and is certainly worth a look if performance isn’t at the top of your list.
And then there’s the fact that for just $1000 more you can land yourself an excellent, and bigger, BMW 3 Series 330i that strikes a great balance between comfort and driveability.
Even so, the M235i is unique enough to attract its own legion of fans, just like the 2 Series Coupe managed to do after arriving on the scene in 2014.
Selling your car isn’t the most enjoyable experience at the best of times but there are a few ways you can make sure there are as few headaches as possible by preparing your car accordingly. At the end of the day, both parties want a good deal.
FIX IT
Depending on which state you will need to get a roadworthy or vehicle safety certificate in order to transfer ownership. It’s also worth getting the car serviced. It’s a good selling point to say the latest service has just been done and it will ensure the car runs smoothly when a potential buyer turns the key.
Also consider offering a pre-purchase inspection by a third party, such as ones provided by state automobile associations, and fix any minor issues to show potential buyers that the car is in good shape. Keep receipts for any servicing and fixes.
Don’t spend too much on major repairs for older, cheaper cars – you’re better off reducing the price and being up front with the buyer.
LOG IT
A full service history can make a lot of difference to your sales price and provide reassurance for potential buyers. Be sure to include the service book, manual and receipts for any work done for yourself or any previous owners. If you have the original documentation that came with the car as new add that as well.
CLEAN IT
First impressions are everything so make sure the car is clean inside and out including under the bonnet and boot lid. It’s worth taking it to a car detailer, but if you do it yourself, don’t forget to clean:
- Inside in door jambs and boot lid.
- Tyres and wheels including the grime between spokes. Tyre shine wouldn’t hurt either.
- The engine bay. Don’t use a steam cleaner or power hose, just wipe down main surfaces and perhaps use a degreaser spray for grimy areas. It doesn’t have to be a concourse winner, just presentable. While you’re there make sure all fluids are topped up.
- The boot mat and boot seals. Also make sure the spare tyre, jack and other standard equipment are properly stowed.
- Carpets and upholstery, preferably with a steam-cleaner. It looks good and gets rid of any smells. Add some new mats if needed.
- Leather interiors with a suitable upholstery cleaner or restorer.
- All glass surfaces.
Don’t worry about spending money to repair small scratches or stone chips which would be normal wear and tear for your car’s age.
SHOOT IT
If selling your car online make sure you take good photos after you’ve cleaned it. You don’t need professional shots, just be sure you take the car somewhere where there’s an uncluttered background on a bright day. Mornings or late afternoon provide good light.
Take between 10 and 20 pics showing flattering angles, interior shots, dashboard features and the engine bay.
If selling a convertible pick a sunny day and take shots with the roof up and down.
Some cars may need extra shots, such as the underside of a 4WD or condition of a ute’s tray.
Phone pics are fine; just be sure to tilt your phone sideways as most sites display pictures in landscape format.
SHOW IT
Be real about the price you advertise your car for. Redbook.com.au shows recommended private and trade-in prices for most cars. It is worth noting, however, that these websites don’t always get it right. The best yardstick is to also check out vehicle sales websites to compare your car against others.
Be sure to take into account differences between similar models such as leather interior, transmission and engine sizes.
If you need to sell fast, don’t under-price too much as people get suspicious.
When placing the ad include all relevant information including year, model, variant, mileage, general condition and your location. Also be sure to mention things that might set it apart from similar cars such as any recent servicing, new tyres, features such as climate control and reverse camera, long registration etc – give it your best sales pitch.
Bentley has introduced the Coupe and Cabriolet variants of the third-generation Bentley Continental GT V8 to its Australian model line-up.
Prices for the Continental GT V8 coupe starts from $400,900, while the Continental GT V8 convertible’s prices start from $441,300.
Of course, this being Bentley, those prices can quickly snowball upwards with its exhaustive list of options for everything from driver aids, to the finishing of the exterior garnishes and the colour of the roof liner.
Though four-cylinders and two-litres of displacement down from the standard Continental GT’s 6.0-litre W12, the V8 variants are generally considered the “driver’s pick” of the litter for its vocal V8 character and shaper dynamics.
Adding to that, Bentley claims that the VW Group-sourced V8 engine comes with that mystical added motorsports pedigree, as it shares a relation with the engine used in the Bathurst 12 Hour-winning Continental GT3. That being said the numbers make a case for itself.
Though the claimed 405kW/770Nm power outputs of its smaller 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant pales in comparison to the W12’s titanic 467kW/900Nm boast, the V8 coupe still manages a 0-100km/h time of 4 seconds, which is just 0.3sec off the pace of its W12-equipped sibling. The V8 Convertible on the other hand is just a whisker slower at 4.1sec.
The V8 models’ top whack of 318km/h isn’t that far off the W12-powered Continental GT’s 333km/h claim either.
Like the standard Continental GT, the Continental GT V8 models utilises the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive system. The Continental GT V8’s expansive soft top too takes a similar time of 19sec to fold at up to speeds of 50km/h to fold as its W12 counterpart.
Uh oh, there goes the neighbourhood! Ford’s new Territory Turbo has just gatecrashed Porsche and BMW’s exclusive AWD champagne party with a slab of Vic Bitter, some snags, and a pile of AC/DC records, and the Teutonic titans won’t be able to get rid of this Aussie interloper all that easily.
This review was originally published in MOTOR’s September 2006 issue
We’ve been hanging out for the blown version of Ford’s mega successful SUV since we first saw it at the Melbourne Motor Show earlier this year and, if the truth be known, you could have been driving one sooner had it not been for Ford’s cheeky plan (unofficial, we hasten to add) to put the Territory Turbo on sale around the same time as Holden releases its new Captiva SUV; naughty, naughty.
But let’s get back to the Euros and why they should be looking over their cashmere-draped shoulders. If you’re a badge buyer with a big budget, you’re unlikely to stoop to a locally designed-and-built car, but you would do well to test drive a Territory Turbo to see just how much car you’d get for a fraction of Porsche Cayenne S or BMW X5 dollars. And to find out that Ford’s steroidal SUV offers near, if not better, performance.
There’s no great science to Territory Turbo, Ford just bolted in more mumbo with an off-the-shelf engine, the smooth XR6 Turbo powerplant. The 245kW/480Nm six (output unchanged from XR6T) partnered by the excellent ZF six-speed Sequential Sports Shift auto (there won’t be a manual or a RWD version, by the way) is a perfect match and it’s what the tubby Territory needed.
Turbocharging makes light work of Territory’s hefty 2145kg kerb weight. With 55 more kilowatts and almost 100 more Newtons, Territory Turbo bolts out of the blocks more like a sprinter than a long-distance runner and it conquers hills like Lance Armstrong in the Alps. There’s no fuss, no strain, just effortless climbing power complemented by the ZF always being in the right cog.
If there is a downside, engine noise can be a little too harsh in the cabin, which is a little at odds with what Ford research turned up: buyers wanted more performance and luxury. Outside, though, there is still that delicious Turbo burble from twin chrome exhausts.
Both Turbo and the Ghia get 18-inch, five spoke alloys with 235/55R rubber and just going to a slightly bigger tyre footprint transforms Territory’s handling, with turn-in improved and grip levels up another notch.
It’s surprising just how quickly you can hustle Territory Turbo across a mountain pass, especially when you do your own shifting and, with new beefier front brakes straight off Falcon GT, you don’t have to worry about the deleterious effect that more than two tonnes travelling at speed can have on the stopping power. And if you do overcook a diminishing radius corner, Dynamic Stability Control will pull you back from the brink very effectively and most of the time you won’t even notice it working.
Still, it’s a big car and with the only suspension changes from the stock Territory being recalibrated dampers and longer front springs (to handle the extra weight of the engine) it rocks and rolls in the tighter stuff. John Bowe Performance does a spring kit for the Territory, which eliminates most of the body roll and if you like a fang it could be for you.
But Ford’s hot rod Territory doesn’t exactly shout out its newly found fang-ability, it’s still a subtly styled SUV. Most noticeable is the Ferrari-esque bonnet scoop that feeds air into the intercooler. There’s a new grille treatment on both models and Ghia gets luxuries like piano black console, leather, six-way driver’s seat, high-end six-CD stereo, dual-zone air, side curtain airbags, colour screen, reversing camera and parking sensors.
While performance and luxury were Ford’s goals for Territory, going diesel wasn’t and according to Ford, diesel and therefore good fuel economy wasn’t a priority for buyers either. But we understand Ford’s market survey was done soon after the launch of the original Territory and since then the price of petrol has skyrocketed. Ford claims a combined fuel economy figure of 14.2 litres/100km for Territory Turbo and it’s achievable only if you don’t exploit that great engine, which sort of negates the whole idea.
2006 FORD TERRITORY TURBO SPECS Engine: 4.0-litre inline-six turbocharged Power: 245kW Torque: 480Nm Weight: 2145kg Price: $53,990 (Ghia $65,490)
Hybrid cars are big news in Australia right now.
Not only can they save you money at the petrol station, they are kinder on the environment. Many brands from Toyota to Porsche, Mercedes-Benz to Mitsubishi offer petrol-electric hybrid new cars.
Here’s our list of the best hybrid cars on sale in Australia. Naturally Toyota, with the longest history of hybrids, dominates the lineup, however with manufacturers across the globe rolling out more extensive petrol-electric ranges of their own, this list could look quite different around this time next year.
UPDATE, December 2022: See our comprehensive guide on hybrid cars at the link below!
If you’ve come here looking to know more about hybrid cars, you’ll be glad to know we’ve since published an even more comprehensive guide, with references to current hybrid models and the latest relevant technology. Get the full story at the link below.
Story continues…
Toyota Prius
Priced from $36,440
The Toyota Prius cuts fuel bills almost in half, compared with many other small cars, by teaming a petrol engine with an electric motor. It has distinctive styling, with sharp angles and a sleek silhouette. A comprehensive safety package includes auto braking as standard, and this new Prius feels much better to drive than its predecessor.
Toyota RAV4 hybrid
Priced from $35,490
The RAV4 in its base form is already a hugely impressive vehicle within the mid-size SUV segment – and a firm favourite here at WhichCar – but its hybrid derivatives are proving a sell-out success in Australia. Not hard to see why, with an easy-going driving experience, affordable pricing and big-wagon practicality all being combined with genuine fuel-sipping performance.
Priced from $26,335
The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla brings all the necessary ingredients that have long made it the world’s most popular car, but in a stylish package that’s considerably more fun to drive than its predecessor. The Hybrid augments a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a battery-driven electric motor. When you brake, it reclaims energy that is normally wasted, using it to recharge the battery and hence to propel the car. That makes a big difference to fuel use, and particularly around town where you’re braking a lot. Unlike before, the hybrid option is now available across all Corolla grades.
Priced from $30,590
The new fully-imported Camry takes off where the Aussie-built models left off as Australia’s best-selling medium car by far. You get a lot for the money, with plenty of space and the option of hybrid power. The Camry is also good to drive, with nice balance, and in hybrid form a responsive drivetrain. The hybrid powertrain uses the least fuel, consuming just 4.5 litres/100km in the official test (urban and rural combined), which is less than smaller Prius V hybrid.
Hyundai Ioniq
Priced from $34,790
This one’s a bit special, because the Ioniq can be had in both regular petrol-electric hybrid guise AND a more electron-enhanced plug-in hybrid version. Both will save you fuel and both are fine small hatches in their own right, but the plug-in can deliver big reductions in running costs if you take full advantage of its wall-charging ability – and can stomach its higher sticker price.
Lexus UX 250h
Priced from $47,950
The UX is easily one of Lexus’ most impressive models right now, with compact proportions, eye-catching design, a lovely interior and great driving dynamics all putting this entry-level premium SUV in good stead.
The hybrid UX 250h adds exceptional fuel economy on top of all those virtues, as well as an ultra-refined powertrain for an extra smooth driving experience. You can get it with AWD too, but to be honest the front-wheel drive UX 250h should be all you need.
Lexus RX 450h
Priced from $91,090
Lexus has been doing hybrids for a long time, and the RX 450h is one of the brand’s best. Not necessarily because it’s super-efficient (its 5.7L/100km claim is a bit difficult to achieve in the real world), but because it’s quiet, silky-smooth, yet commendably powerful.
With a big-capacity V6 under the bonnet and a power output of 230kW when both petrol engine and electric motor are working together, this big SUV isn’t short of muscle.
Volvo S60/V60 T8
Priced from $84,990
Following on from the excellent template set by their XC60 stablemate, the S60 sedan and V60 wagon are simply superb in plug-in hybrid T8 guise. Packaging that electric hardware is a little tougher in their smaller bodyshells, but it’s not something you or your passengers are likely to notice. What you WILL notice is heaps of power and low running costs.
Audi Q7 etron
Priced from $139,900
Audi’s electrified big SUV isn’t cheap at just a smidge below $140K, but it’s huge on the inside, hugely powerful under the bonnet, and boasts a startlingly low claimed fuel consumption of just 1.9 L/100km. That number is of course dependent on you making the most of its plug-in capability and electric-only drive mode, but for a big wagon the Q7 etron has a light environmental footprint.
BMW 330e
Priced from: $75,900
The 330e differs from most of the other hybrids on this list by offering a plug-in capability, which means you can charge up its battery from your household power supply and drive for around 30km on battery power alone. That’s enough to take care of the average commute for most people, meaning visits to the petrol station could be mercifully infrequent.
Priced from: $114,990
The Volvo XC60 is an exceptionally comfortable luxury medium SUV, featuring a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel powertrains including a plug-in hybrid in the T8 variant. All-wheel drive adds security on slippery surfaces and it is one of the safest cars on sale. It was named 2018 Wheels Car of the Year – the first premium SUV to win the title. The T8 R-Design PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) features a powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine that runs with a battery-powered electric motor.
Toyota Prius C
Priced from: $24,040
Keen on putting a hybrid in your garage but your budget isn’t big? Toyota’s Yaris-sized Prius C may be basic, but it boasts an affordable price and a thrifty hybrid powertrain that sips a claimed 3.9L/100km on average. For inner-urban folks, it’s got the right size and the right thirst for dealing with densely-packed city streets.
Priced from: $46,990
Mitsubishi was one of the first to bring a plug-in hybrid to market with its Outlander PHEV, and it remains the only real mainstream option in the three-row SUV class to boast a plug-in charging capability. For those that have a family to tote but who also want to insulate themselves from rising petrol costs, it could be the answer they’re looking for.
Priced from: $189,626
Lexus has a full stable of hybrid models, but none are quite as attention-grabbing as the seductively-styled LC 500h. It’s physically large, but the sleek bodywork and low-slung stance of Lexus’ petrol-electric luxury coupe draws even more eyeballs. As the most powerful hybrid in the Lexus portfolio, it’s able to zip to 100km/h in a brisk 5.0 seconds – a respectable effort for a car that weighs nearly two-tonnes.
Mercedes-Benz E350e
Priced from: $133,400
The E-Class boasts impressive refinement in almost all of its variants, but none can match the E350e plug-in hybrid for smoothness and quietness when running on electric power. Like the BMW 330e, the electrically-enhanced E-Class sedan can travel for up to 30km on a single charge before its four-cylinder diesel engine needs to cut in, giving owners some measure of relief from the petrol price cycle.
Read more about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Priced from: $467,200
Hybrids aren’t just for saving fuel, and Porsche’s range-topping Panamera demonstrates just how petrol-electric powertrains can be employed to improve performance. Able to rocket to 100km/h in a supercar-like 3.4 seconds when its electric drive motors are working in concert with its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the Panamera also boasts a plug-in charging capability and generous battery-only range. A true do-it-all device, but it certainly ain’t cheap!
BMW has confirmed it will kill the car it calls ‘the best-selling electrified sports car ever,’ the BMW i8.
With BMW announcing the i8 is to “end its product life cycle” this year, the hybrid sports car will have ‘lived’ for six years since it launched the ‘BMW i’ brand in 2014.
With a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo ICE and an electric motor, the all-wheel drive i8 is producing 275kW and 570Nm as it reaches its end.
To send the i8 off, BMW had previously announced a special edition i8 limited to 200 units, which had already begun production last year.
“The Leipzig plant is currently producing the 200 vehicles of the limited Ultimate Sophisto Edition of the BMW i8,” BMW says.
“One of the edition models was already manufactured in December 2019 as the 20,000th unit of the plug-in hybrid model.
“With this production volume, the BMW i8 has already outstripped many a legendary BMW sports car by far.
“Among the milestones in the history of sports cars, its sales figures are well ahead of classics such as the BMW M1, of which only 399 units were produced for road use, and also ahead of the BMW Z8 roadster, which was built around 5,000 times.”
It says the i8’s popularity has allowed it to be the best-selling electrified sports car in the world.
“The BMW i8 has held a global market share of more than 50 per cent in the segment of sports cars with electrified drive for years.”
This is it, the new 911 Turbo and everything we know about it so far!
There’s no point listing everything else in the March 2020 issue of MOTOR magazine here when you can scroll down and see for yourself, so get to it!
You can find MOTOR at retailers around Australia. Or you can subscribe and save yourself some cash, there’s even a (cheaper!) digital subscription option.
Subscribers often receive their mags earlier, so you’ll get to see what MOTOR has to offer before anyone else.
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New 911 Turbo S Inbound
All you need to know about Stuttgart’s 478kW sports car tornado!
Call of the Wild: Ford Mustang R-Spec Driven
Denied the GT500, Ford Aus couldn’t resist building its own 500kW super ‘Stang.
The Gordon Murray Interview
Gordon Murray is building what he heralds as the last great analogue supercar. We sit down with the creator of the legendary McLaren F1 in his home.
iMad Max: Hyundai iMax Drift Bus driven on track
Factory-built, 300kW, twin-turbo, rear-drive, and seats eight. We go all aboard the Drift Bus.
Trophy Hunters: Mégane RS Trophy vs rival hot hatches
Renault Sport finally releases a Mégane RS capable of tackling Honda’s Civic Type R and the i30 N. We put the three head to head to see which rises to the top.
Stealth Bomber: BMW Alpina B5 Touring
The B5 Touring is designed to eat up long distances, so 1000km in one day should test its mettle nicely!
70 Years of Formula 1
2020 marks seven decades of mankind’s greatest achievement. We celebrate with an iconic standout car from each of the seven eras.
Modern Classic: Buying a Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
Rear-drive, roof down, and a 5.4-litre V8 under the bonnet. The SLK55 is a relatively affordable way into the fold of drop-top Benz ownership.
The MOTOR Garage: AMG C63 S, Abarth 124, Camaro ZL1
There’s been a mix-up with our new Nissan Leaf long-termer! Plus our Abarth leaves the garage, and the ZL1 meets a Blue Oval challenger.
First Fangs
We drive the new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, BMW’s X5 M Competition, and more.
And the rest!
Columns, the usual features, our Hot Source data, and your own contributions!
Sexiest car in the world, eh? That’s what the experts say, according to Alfa Romeo.
This review was originally published in MOTOR’s October 2006 issue
Indeed, the new Alfa Romeo Brera looks bellissimo. The retro-infused signatures (front overhang, 18-inch clover rims) are undeniably classic Alfa Romeo, while exterior features and details (lights, grille, handles, mirrors, indicators) are superb.
And although some beauty is lost in designer Giorgetto Guigario’s own translation from concept to production reality, Brera’s low squat proportions, and road presence, are effortlessly commanding. On appearance alone, it’s an ideal spearhead for the Alfa Romeo range, with enough character to fill Italy’s Lake Como.
And then you pop the bonnet.
Instead of chrome pipe work, the engine bay merely celebrates plastic-wrapped modern pragmatism. While Holden has implied parenthood of the 191kW 3.2 V6, Alfa Romeo maintains that it’s only the engine’s block, and that the heads, pistons, induction and exhaust are distinctly Italian.
No, the Brera V6 donk doesn’t sound like a VE Berlina, but a fiery Italian character fails miserably to hail from Brera’s quad tailpipes when you poke the starter button. Outputs have more herbs than Nona’s bolognaise, robust and workmanlike compared with the four-banger front-drive 2.2 version and the sort of low urge that diesel-nurtured Europeans are largely becoming accustomed to. But I’d easily trade a swathe of the 3.2’s torque for some top-end zing and some throaty sonic celebration. It’s a more ideal combo for a 159 sedan or Sportswagon which, unsurprisingly, is exactly the case.
The Q4 all-wheel drive’s Torsen centre diff has a natural rear-biased 43/57 torque split, but Big Brera feels nose-heavy and understeery – a result, no doubt, of hanging the V6 in front of the front axle line. That said, the coupe is more nimble than the longer-wheelbase 159 it shares underpinnings with.
Brera is brisk over twisty stuff, although it eats blacktop with safe assurance rather than spine-tingling sporty liveliness. At 1630kg, the 3.2 adds 160kg over the Brera 2.2 JTS. As a result, the armada of chassis and braking smarts keeping tabs on the heftiness robs an ultimate sense of driver engagement.
Yes, it’s a confident performer: quick and accurate steering, prodigious Brembo anchors, excellent feel from the six-cog manual ’box, and supreme corner exit tractability. It just wants for more spirit and liveliness.
The cabin compensates by injecting a leather-and-metal retro-infused Alfa vibe. Mind you, it’s far from flawless. No seat height adjustment means your head hits the low-slung and very cool tinted glass roof, and lateral body support is minimal.
But, jeez, the seats look a million bucks in old-school currency, even if no amount of Da Vinci-like genius will make 2+2 equal any more than strictly two adults. Flawed, yes, but at least it’s infused with character. The main gripe inside? From behind the tiller it doesn’t feel like a $94,950 car.
And that’s Brera 3.2 V6’s measure: whether the smart money ultimately adds up. Or not. Even before factoring in Audi TT and BMW 3-Series coupe, there are other lures within the Alfa Romeo fold. For car porn looks, the $25k-cheaper Brera 2.2 JTS is (barring wheel style) almost indistinguishable inside and out. For poke, you’d save 20 large by opting for an equally horny, if more mundane, 159 3.2 V6. And then there’s GT 3.2, at $79,990…
Sex sells, or so the experts claim. But for $95 large you’d want to believe that the 3.2 V6 Brera really is the sexist car in the world, and accept that it’s merely smouldering. Bring on a hotter GTA version, Alfa Romeo.
2006 ALFA ROMEO BRERA SPECS Engine: 3.2-litre, V6 24-valve DOHC Power/Weight: 191kW/1630kg Drive: all-wheel Price: $94,950
The 2020 Supercars championship has started for the year, and thanks to the miracle of technology there are more than a few ways you can tune in.
This year’s championship is a must-watch for local and international racing fans, with Scott McLaughlin defending his title in the Ford Mustang.
Stretching until late November, the 2020 Supercars championship is spread across thousands of kilometres of ultra-competitive racing. Here are all the ways you can make sure you don’t miss out:
Free-to-air
- Cost: Free
- Pros: No cost; available across the country
- Cons: Limited number of races can be watched in full; ad breaks; can’t be streamed on TenPlay
Kayo Sports
- Cost: $25/month for two users
- Pros: Cheaper than a full Foxtel package; go-anywhere viewing; able to watch again at any time; ‘raceview’ mode
- Cons: New unproven platform, mobile devices only, no HD, can’t watch on a television without ChromeCast
Foxtel IQ
- Cost: $68/month
- Pros: Foxtel Go app allows portable streaming; HD (and possibly 4K) coverage; able to watch on television
- Cons: Most expensive option; installation fees and a contract,
Foxtel Now
- Cost: $54/month
- Pro: In-depth coverage; portable streaming; cheaper than IQ
- Con: Has to be packaged with non-sporting channels; set-top box costs extra $99; buggy app; no raceview mode
SuperView
- Cost: $59.95
- Pros: Every practice and qualifying session, and every race, live and on demand
- Cons: Not available to Australian or New Zealand customers
Reckon you’ve got better ideas than the car designers of today? Not ambitious enough to actually go out and make that your career? Salvation is at hand: Ford has called out to Twitter for a little bit of help designing a new car, thus answering the prayers of armchair car designers everywhere.
Asking the internet for help with anything is an exercise fraught with danger, but Ford reckons it can prevent any corruption of the car design process by boiling down the decision-making process to a series of multiple choice questions.
Think of it as an R.L Stine Choose-Your-Own Adventure except, you know, with cars.
The risk that everyone will vote for a car resembling The Homer is also mitigated by the fact this car is going to be purely virtual. Ford’s crowdsourced car will be a central part of the company’s fledgling ‘Fordzilla’ e-sports team, and presumably used by its drivers in competition. That said, it’s not immediately obvious what game – or even what platform – the car will appear in.
Referred to as ‘Project One’, the Fordzilla race car will be guided by a series of Twitter polls. The first poll was released today, simply asking whether Project One should have one or two seats. Successive polls will home in on other aspects such as the powertrain, whether it should be an offroader, drift car, formula racecar, and other fundamental characteristics.
One thing is clear – it will not be based on any current Ford production car. Once the crowd has spoken, Ford’s designers will take over and merge those elements into one cohesive design in consultation with Team Fordzilla’s five national team captains from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
We’d expect Project One to eventually be used in a one-make virtual race series, though whether it’s intended for Gran Turismo Sport, Forza Motorsport, iRacing, Assetto Corsa or any other racing sim is not yet apparent. Fordzilla’s team members have been actively competing in all of those titles, so at this point it’s anyone’s guess where Project One will end up.
Want to help shape it? Hit the embedded tweet above and cast your votes.
