To say a car looks a million lire would hardly be a compliment. Anyway, I suppose it would have to be Euros now. But to say it looked the traditional million dollars would hardly be doing it justice either, as we are talking Italian thoroughbred rather than the typical tack that comes out of much of the American automotive industry. Whatever superlative you use, though, there's no getting away from the fact that the Alfa Romeo Brera looks fantastic whether it's moving or standing still. And even better is the new Spider, based on the Brera but with a soft top. However, it's the Brera I've been driving and, just to make it more interesting, I chose to pilot the diesel model. You might question the value of having a diesel in a sports car but the latest generation diesels, especially those from Alfa's parent, Fiat, just invite superlatives. This particular engine is a 2.4 litre unit giving 200 bhp and 295 lb ft of torque. When you demand urge from this car it's like being hit in the kidneys with a sledgehammer, albeit a rubber one as you only feel the huge shove in the back and not the violence of the impact. This Alfa seems to be the perfect blend of everything, with the most gorgeous styling partnered with a terrific engine. But if you really can't stand the thought of a diesel sports car then you have the choice of 2.2 litre four cylinder and 3.2 litre V6 petrol engines instead, the latter also coming with four wheel drive for enhanced traction. In 2.2 litre or diesel form, the drive is taken through the front wheels but the car is sufficiently well engineered that the massive dose of torque available on demand from the diesel does not prejudice the steering. You don't find yourself fighting with the wheel, as you would have done with powerful front wheel drive cars in the old days. While the 2.2 litre engine puts out 185 bhp and the 3.2 260 bhp, neither of them can get anywhere near the diesel for torque and it's this that gives the car real performance in the gears. In terms of top speed, the diesel manages 142 mph, midway between the 138 mph of the 2.2 and 149 of the 3.2. The diesel also manages 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds, nowhere near as good as the slightly disappointing 6.8 seconds of the 3.2 but besting the 2.2's 8.6 seconds. Where it scores, of course, is in its economical running, although it's not as good as Alfa's figures suggest from my experience. Alfa quotes a combined figure of 41.5 mpg but the best I achieved with the test car was 36 mpg on a run. For the rest of the time it was doing 33 mpg but I bet that's still considerably better than you would get with either of the petrol cars, especially as I wasn't hanging around. Buying the diesel Brera will set you back £26,400 but probably better value is the SV version at £27,500 - a lot of dosh for a basically two seat car, even one with the pedigree bloodline of this one. The SV package brings a panoramic glass roof with electric blind, electric folding and heated rear view mirrors, brushed aluminium centre console and trim inserts, leather upholstery, and stainless kickplates on the sills. This makes it a good value package - taking the leather option on the standard car costs as much and buyers in the used market will all want to see the SV package. It will help the car retain value, so have it for that alone. Maurice Hardy Annette's View Even in its most affordable form at £22,800, if that's the right description to use, the Alfa Romeo Brera comes well equipped. This is no basic sports car, and it shows. A great deal of effort has also gone into the creation of the car, with super styling that sets it head and shoulders above many other coupes. It's competing in a limited market, but also has to contend with the appeal of three door versions of more standard offerings like the BMW 3 Series coupe. But while just about everyone and his wife seems to drive a BMW these days, Alfas are still a rarity. It's a brand that has struggled in the UK for years but big efforts are now being made to improve dealer standards and after sales support, the things that give peace of mind to owners. Let's hope it does the trick. There are rear seats in this car and even a decent boot that's accessed through a small tailgate with a high lip. But the hunched appearance of this car, a bit like an athlete in the starting blocks, does not lend itself to huge rear space. But if you are riding up front you will savour the experience and the driving seat is a great place to be. If ever you wanted a car you could love, this is it. Car: Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDm SV Does it fit your ego?... 0-62 mph: 8.1 secs Top speed: 142 mph Bhp: 200 @ 4000 rpm Torque: 295 lb ft @ 2000 rpm ...and your wallet?... Price: £27,500 Urban: 30.7 mpg Extra urban: 52.3 mpg Combined: 41.5 mpg CO2 emissions: 179 g/km Insurance Group: 16 Best bits: superb styling, great engine, Alfa pedigree.