THE latest Alfa Romeo Spider is not a lightweight two-seater, or a sports car, or even very Italian-feeling frankly, which is what we were expecting. Instead, and despite oozing alluring Latino style, today’s Spider is a luxury two-seater grand tourer. It cannot catch a Mazda MX-5 for alacrity or fun – and a VW Golf diesel will probably beat it through your favourite set of corners. Indeed, this Alfa is now a softer and cheaper alternative to a BMW Z4 or Mercedes SLK, but without their inherent driver appeal.

Spider JTS
Released: 2003
Ended: 2006
Family Tree: SpiderWearing a sharper new corporate nose, the facelifted version of the front-wheel drive Spider that spearheaded Alfa Romeo’s return to Australia is a dear old thing – concept-car gorgeous in its style, cramped in its execution, and wobbly but fun in the way it drives. The switch from a 2.0-litre Twin Spark four-cylinder engine to the 121kW/206Nm JTS unit (mated to a five-speed manual gearbox) brought more refinement and performance, but less crackle and fizz, sadly. Not at all sports-car-like to drive, at least this Spider still possesses a crazy Italian charm.
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