Alfa Romeo is an evocative name. The problem for many potential buyers, however, is that it represents a risk too far. The GTV is no exception. You may be attracted by its Italian styling but you could be just as concerned by a reputation for dubious reliability and residual-value horror stories.

Buying a GTV is a battle between the head and heart, and it’s one that more often than not the heart loses. But with a bit of knowledge it needn’t be that way.

Introduced to Britain in April 1996, the GTV was designed in-house with help from Pininfarina, the Italian styling company that counts Ferrari among its clients. And it shows. The GTV is a handsome car.

With any coupé, beauty is important, but so too is exclusivity. In this respect the GTV hits the spot. Alfa Romeo has sold just 6,000 GTVs in Britain, making it rarer than an Audi TT or Porsche Boxster.

The GTV has something of a “baby Ferrari” feel about it. The rear seat is virtually non-existent, while boot space is fine only for a couple of weekend bags. A low roofline and steeply raked front screen make headroom marginal for anyone approaching 6ft and cars fitted with the optional sunroof are an even snugger fit. The seats, particularly when trimmed in leather, look superb but, surprisingly, lack lateral support when cornering hard.

But the rest of the cockpit is spot on. The deeply recessed instrument binnacle is for the driver’s information not the passenger’s pleasure, and the steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach.

Buyers can choose from a four or six-cylinder engine, both of which produce a delicious engine note. The biggest seller is the 2 litre Twin Spark unit. Originally producing 150bhp, this was raised to 155bhp with the introduction of the phase two cars in September 1998.

Keen, free-revving and reliable, the 2 litre unit is perfectly suited to the front-wheel-drive GTV. However, buyers need to check the cam belt carefully. Alfa Romeo recommends replacement at 72,000 miles and a visual inspection at 36,000 miles, but most owners agree that replacement every 30,000 miles is the best option.

The 3 litre V6 produces a lusty 220bhp, enough to propel the car to 60mph in less than 7sec and on to a top speed in excess of 150mph. The inclusion of leather upholstery and air-conditioning as standard makes these cars very well equipped. However, the extra weight of the V6 engine blunts the handling. Add in higher running costs and a hefty insurance premium over that of second-hand 2 litre models and the V6 is a car that won’t appeal to all.

Revisions to the GTV have been modest, but phase two cars brought in colour-coded sills that gave a more fluid line to the car’s flank. In July 2003 the GTV received a new front grille, revised interiors and more power — the 2 litre gained 10bhp, the 3 litre added 200cc and 20bhp.

Finally, putting the looks aside, here’s a fact that should appeal to the head rather than the heart. What Car? quotes a three-year or 36,000-mile residual value of 43% for the 2 litre GTV. That’s the same as a Ford Mondeo 2 litre, better than a Vauxhall Vectra and just two percentage points behind a Mercedes A-class. So maybe buying an Alfa Romeo GTV doesn’t have to be such an emotional decision after all.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Alfa Romeo GTV Twin Spark Lusso coupé
Engine: Four-cylinder, 1970cc
Power: 155bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 30.6mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph (8.5sec)
Top speed: 129mph

Windscreen: Sloping screen reduces headroom and restricts visibility; optional sunroof reduces headroom further

Front seats: They look lovely but lack lateral support when cornering hard

Turning circle: Front-wheel drive, wide track and low-profile tyres are responsible for GTV's large turning circle — even worse on V6

Spark plugs: Change of plugs due at 60,000-mile service

Cam belt: Owners recommend changing cam belt every 30,000 miles on 2 litre models as opposed to Alfa Romeo's original recommendation of every 72,000 miles

Lusso model: Leather upholstery, 16in alloys and air-conditioning are standard

Rear seat: Consider the car a two-seater and you won't be disappointed, as rear seats are best left for luggage, not people

Wind noise: Excessive wind noise usually due to misalignment of frameless side window glass — a dealer can adjust this. Avoid further problems by shutting the door using the handle rather than the glass

Suspension: Clunking suspension usually due to worn bushes

Front tyres: Check tracking regularly as misalignment will cause very heavy wear

Alloy wheels: Standard on all cars, but Lusso and V6 models get larger alloys

THE ONE TO BUY

Alfa Romeo GTV 2 litre Twin Spark Lusso, five-speed manual in black or red with tan leather interior, 1999 T-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £7,925 at a dealer or £6,800 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2000 X-reg Fiat Coupé Turbo Plus
1998 S-reg BMW 323i Coupé
1997 R-reg Volvo C70 2.3 T5 GT Coupé
2000 W-reg Peugeot 406 2.0 SE Coupé
2001 X-reg Hyundai Coupé 2.0 SE

VALUES



Standard Twin Spark models worth £300 less than equivalent Twin Spark Lusso. An early 3.0 V6 is worth £1,200 more than a Twin Spark Lusso, a later 3.0 V6 is worth £2,500 more. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer