I'VE always fancied one of Alfa's GTs because they drive so beautifully and look so sleek.

They were produced for a long time - from 2004 to 2010 - and, besides their sporting heritage, they are surprisingly practical for a coupe, with four seats and a good size boot.

They were based on the 156, which is a great starting point, and so the same four engines were available - 1.8, 2 litre and 3.2 V6 petrol, with power ranging from 140 to 250bhp, and a very good 1.9 diesel with 150bhp.

I love the 2.0-litre petrol and the V6 is a marvellous sounding powerhouse bringing huge performance at the cost of 22mpg.

The ride is comfortable over most surfaces and the road-holding and handling are brilliant, just a little let down by rather insensitive steering.

Reliability has been much better than average for an Alfa and fairly low prices make it good value for money when compared to many other coupes.

A very wide turning circle can make parking and manoeuvring difficult at times and rearwards vision is not always of the best.

But these are forgiveable in a car that drives so beautifully and sounds so delicious.

Inside it is pure Alfa, with great seats - often covered in leather or suede - and a marvellous dash layout with all the information any driver could want.

It's well equipped in standard trim too, with alarm, alloys, climate, cruise, six airbags, folding back seats, trip computer, height and reach adjust steering and height adjustable driver's seat.