THE Alfra RomeoBrera and its sister soft top the Spider are truly beautiful cars from every angle, and come with a range to engines to die for.

They look fast standing still and, if you want to stand out from the crowd, this could be the one to get you up there.

Alfa never intended it for production but after a concept car based on a Maserati was shown by ItalDesignin 2003, it bowed to public pressure and came up with the Brera we know, based around the 159 saloon.

Some motoring writers have said it's more of a grand tourer than a sportscar. All I can say is, they must have been driving different cars to the ones I hugely enjoyed.

Petrol engines start with the mainstay 2.2 JTS, which has 182bhp, and go on up past the 1750 TBi turbo with 197bhp to the scintillating and utterly addictive 3.2 V6 with 256bhp.

There are also two diesels - a very good 167bhp 2.0-litre turbo and the 2.4 JTDM five cylinder, with either 200 or 207bhp.

However, I beg to suggest that you don't buy a car like this for diesel economy.

There is not a BMW or a Mercedes that can compare to the Brera's stunning lines and men and woman lust after it.

Both coupe and Spider are strict two seaters and have the most marvellous road holding and brilliant handling.

The ride is pretty harsh and could do with being smoothed out a little for our rough roads but inside the cabin is beautifully laid out and most have leather upholstery.