2002 Alfa Romeo GTV Cup 3.0 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Surely the best-looking car on the road

Faults:

None so far, but it's very soon to tell.

General Comments:

This is a truly gorgeous car to look at; almost rivaling the 'super cars'. An excellent V6 engine powers the car comfortably, though it is content to potter at 30mph in sixth gear.

Some interior plastics are rather tame; though lots of leather compensates for that. Superb driving position for a 6'2" person like me.

Reversing is an art and brakes are not as sharp as I would like; but easy to get used to.

Overall this is a wonderfully designed car with a real street presence. A pleasure to get into each morning and makes driving a joy. Shame about the fuel consumption; but one doesn't buy a car like this for good fuel consumption figures!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2003

2002 Alfa Romeo GTV Cup 3.0 from Isle of Man

Summary:

Looks and drives so good that you can forgive the flaws

Faults:

There is a persistent squeak that comes from the rear of the car when driven a slow speeds over less than smooth roads (of which there are many in the IOM!!).

Also an intermittent rattle.

Aim to get back to garage in a couple of months to address.

General Comments:

Performance is superb from the low gear acceleration to flat out top speed - trouble is finding anywhere to do it safely.

Engine noise is good, but not great (or as great as every motor journalist would have you believe the Alfa V6 is).

Car looks superb, the body kit makes a big difference over the standard GTV, giving an aggressive look to the car. Get mixed opinions over the rear spoiler - lots of big spoiler, little #### jokes, but compared to the Japanese rally cum road cars, I'm happy with my lot.

Inside is not big, but hey, you don't buy a sports coupe for comfort and room. Lots of leather and metal which looks good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2003

28th Sep 2003, 01:59

Useful comment; thanks. I take delivery of a GTV Cup next week (with 7k on the clock). Looking forward to it very much; more so now I've read the reviews.

2002 Alfa Romeo GTV CUP 3.0L V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A stunning car, it's looks and performance far outweighing the usual Alpha shortcomings

Faults:

Noisy passenger window at high speeds.

Squeaking front suspension, although both of the above are very common faults.

General Comments:

This is a great looking car, available only in Alpha Red. The Grey 17in alloys and red disk calipers probably are the best looking wheels on the road.

Superb handling, thanks in no small part to the (extortionate)Goodyear F1's.

Acceleration through first & second can take you by surprise, particularly in wet conditions.

The racing seats are a welcome addition for those who are used to getting thrown about around bends in the standard option.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2002

2002 Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 TS Lusso 2.0 Twin spark from Malta

Summary:

Stunning looks and killer performance

Faults:

Poor wipers.

Rusty exhaust.

General Comments:

A great car to own and drive a true sports coup. The first thing you will notice is that it is a little heavy. Fast starts are made difficult due to the cars weight. Once moving the engine responds well with a good amount of punch above 3200 revs. Overtaking is easy and a blip on the throttle is enough to get things moving. The suspension settings are tight so you can expect a ride that is stiff, but not to the point that it will get on your nerves. The brakes whilst a little spongy will stop the car quite quickly with the help of anti lock brakes. The 17' wheels make a huge difference in the cornering ability of the car. They are a good option to fit. Although the car is heavy there are no surprises in the way it corners. When pushed hard you will find a tendency for four-wheel drift that will become under steer and is easily controllable by letting go of the gas. A real pleasure to drive even for the inexperienced driver.

One thing that seemed odd is the long throw gearshift. To compensate there is a long travel clutch that allows you to slip for relatively brisk starts. The interior is great with a real Italian sports car feel about it. The central dials are obscured from the passengers' view that might get a little annoying to some people.

Overall a great car to own... A head turner...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2002

20th Aug 2006, 09:35

Hi glad to read these comments, I must admit that I do agree with many of the comments in the article even though owning my gtv was not always a pleasant experience, I mean I barely use mine and I had a few problems along the years. In my modest opinion I think the car looks good and its built well. I have one big question to ask, I own a '99 one and I'm not sure whether I should replace my wheels with 17inch and lower it. I want it to look more aggressive! Can anyone help?