Geneva auto shows annually surprise ordinary townsfolk and experts with unique and original cars. In 2005, Italians demonstrated a novelty - Alfa Romeo Brera, a three-door sports hatchback. At the same auto show, but already in 2002, the design of the car created by Pinifarina was presented. The concept car turned into a serial version only in 2005: over five thousand sales, over 20 thousand copies and more than 12 thousand versions of the Alfa Romeo Brera Spider with an open top were sold.
Exterior
In the year of release, the model received the title of the most beautiful car, however today it is hardly surprising anyone with such an original appearance. Despite this, Italians know a lot about aesthetics and can please with an unusual exterior even today.
Alfa Romeo Brera stands out with its original stylish headlights, divided into three round sections on each side. A branded radiator grill of a triangular shape is often found on other models of the brand. The embossed lines of the hood come down to the grill. Round fog lights are located next to the small air intakes that stand out from the classic car bumper. One of the most attractive parts of Brera is just before, but many experts regret that this design is used in other models of the brand and is not unique and characteristic of only one version.
The eye-catching rear wheel arch draws attention to the Alfa Romeo Brera profile. The rearview mirror mounted on the foot looks sporty and attracts the eye. The chromed door handle and embossed lines at the top give the side of the car a finished look.
The oval-inflated shape gives the hatchback aft extra points of appeal. Along with the front optics, the narrow taillights look very aggressive and fit into the overall sports style of the car. The brake light repeaters are located on a small wing, located in the upper part of the stern. Exhaust pipes are neatly integrated into the rear bumper. Given the original and unique appearance of the Alfa Romeo Brera, car tuning is not required: and without changing the exterior, the hatchback attracts a lot of attention.
Interior
The interior trim and ergonomics, unfortunately, are not much different from other Alfa Romeo models. The Alfa Romeo Brera sports seats are equipped with impressive lateral support and heated. The rear row of seats is represented by two seats: despite the lack of sufficient free space, passengers can withstand a short trip.
The luggage compartment of Alfa Romeo Brera is 300 liters, it can be increased exactly twice due to the addition of rear seats.
The car is controlled by a three-spoke leather steering wheel, on which the keys to control the audio system are located. The classic dashboard design is typical for cars of those years of production: tachometer and speedometer sensors are analog, an on-board computer is integrated between them.
The center console is at a slight angle to the driver. In the upper part there are three air deflectors, in the lower part there are performance sensors. Alfa Romeo Brera in some trim levels is equipped with a navigation system. A separate climate control unit is located at the bottom of the dashboard and is equipped with washers, buttons and a display.
The emergency alarm and power window lock keys, as well as the large gear shift knob, are located next to the concise tunnel. There is also a parking brake handbrake, armrest, cup holder and niche for small things.
The interior decoration of the doors can be called stylish: the inserts and handles are made of silver material. The door itself is sheathed in leather, in its lower part are quite powerful and large speakers.
Specifications
Alfa Romeo Brera received a wide range of powertrains, which includes seven engines of both diesel and gasoline types.
Experts and car enthusiasts note that the engines manufactured by the Italian concern have never been famous for their high level of reliability, so quite often you have to face various malfunctions. In this regard, when buying, it is worth remembering that you will have to regularly repair Alfa Romeo Brera.
The line of gasoline power units from Alfa Romeo opens with a four-cylinder 2.2-liter engine with a capacity of 185 horsepower. In urban operation, fuel consumption is 13 liters, along the highway - 7 liters.
The 1.8-liter turbocharged engine is the second in the line in power: 200 horsepower and multi-point injection. Fuel consumption is less by one liter, but it is much better speaker.
Fans of the Alfa Romeo brand prefer the third version - an atmospheric 3.2-liter V6 engine with a direct injection system. Motor power - 261 horsepower, which guarantees good acceleration and excellent dynamism. This engine, unlike all other versions, was offered with all-wheel drive.
Alfa Romeo Brera diesel engines are represented by only two units:
- A two-liter eight-valve engine rated at 163 horsepower. The only thing that is known about him was a similar version, but more powerful for 7 horses.
- A two-liter five-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower. Compared with modern diesel engines, it is not very economical, but it is not bad for everyday driving. There is also an improved version with a capacity of 210 horsepower.
The buyer could pick up not only the engine, but also the transmission. The manufacturer offered six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. If desired, a six-speed robot could be installed, coupled with a 2.2-liter engine. Diesel engines were equipped with a Q-Tronic automatic machine, which later became installed on the Alfa Romeo 159. The only drawback, as in the case of engines, was the frequent need to repair the Alfa Romeo Brera automatic transmission.
Unique car versions
S
It was produced only for the British automobile market and was a limited series. It was first demonstrated in the summer of 2008 and was distinguished by altered driving characteristics and suspension, which improved the maneuverability and controllability of the car. The range of engines has remained unchanged.
Spider
After the start of active sales, Brera began to be produced in the back of a convertible, which in this version made it more unique.
Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent
Limited edition, named after the design company that developed the model design. It included only 900 cars. It was distinguished by titanium body color and 18-inch wheels.
Mille miglia
Released in 11 copies. It was produced only in the back of a convertible and was named in honor of the race held every year in Italy. The number of cars depends on the number of Alfa Romeo wins in this race.
The changes affected only the trim: the seat trim was stitched with red stitching, and the anti-roll bars were painted blue.
Limited edition
Available only in the convertible version, equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels. It was distinguished by a memory function, seats with automatic adjustment and leather trim. A similar memory function was equipped with rear-view mirrors. Also in this version, a media system with voice control was installed.
Control
Alfa Romeo Brera combines predictability in different circumstances and excellent handling. The racing suspension integrated in the design of the car - the front double-link and rear multi-link - made it possible to achieve similar results. Even the most sophisticated and demanding motorists will be satisfied with the hatchback cushioning. In addition to the excellent driving experience, the manufacturer guarantees good safety while riding.
Security
Euro NCAP praised the Premium platform that Alfa Romeo Brera is equipped with and is responsible for safety. The high-strength body structure, coupled with innovative technologies in the field of safety, guarantee a high level of protection for both the driver and passengers.
The use of two-phase high-strength steel, a non-deformable platform and a powerful engine base in the hatchback design allowed Alfa Romeo to achieve similar results. The increased rigidity of the body not only guarantees a high level of safety, but also provides excellent conditions for the steering and suspension of the car.
The new Alfa Romeo Brera safety system as standard consists of side and front airbags and curtain airbags, Isofix mounts for the child seat and a separate protection system for the driver’s knees and the passenger sitting in front.
Owner reviews
Alfa Romeo Brera reviews left by motorists are both positive and negative.
Benefits allocated by owners:
- original and bright appearance;
- obedient management;
- beautiful trim;
- soft suspension.
Disadvantages:
- too high cost;
- operating and maintenance costs;
- frequent automatic transmission repair Alfa Romeo Brera;
- a small amount of free space in the back seat.
Top picks
In addition to the classic versions of Brera in the maximum configuration, Alfa Romeo also produces top-end car options. Some of them appeared after significant revision. There was a correction of defects.
Brera s
After the failure of the model and a large number of negative reviews related to the insufficient power and dynamism of the car, the Brera S version was released, which is distinguished by its lighter weight - only 1540 kilograms. The height of the body was reduced, steering was facilitated. The carmaker’s specialists managed to eliminate rolls while riding, while maintaining a smooth ride.
The top version was equipped with a two-liter engine with a capacity of 260 horsepower. In order to reduce the weight of the car, front-wheel drive was installed. When accelerating to 100 km / h in 7 seconds, the fuel consumption was 11 liters. Despite significant changes to the car, car critics reacted to the top-end version of Brera very cool.
Brera italia independent
A limited edition of Brera Modified Sports Hatchbacks was launched by Alfa Romeo in 2009 in collaboration with an Italian design company. In the new body, only 900 cars were produced, which received an unusual titanium color, an aluminum fuel tank cap and 18-inch alloy wheels. The package of options has also changed, replenished with dual-zone climate control, airbags, High-End audio system and cruise control. All leather trim in black was decorated with bright red stitching. Carbon inserts were placed on the console and steering wheel. This top-end version was presented in 8 trim levels with similar technical characteristics.
Cost
The disadvantage of the Italian iron horse, which was noted by motorists in the reviews, was the price. Alfa Romeo Brera will cost at least 800 thousand rubles. And this is a used car.