Two petrol engines are offered: a 185bhp 2.2-litre and a 260bhp 3.2-litre V6. A 207bhp diesel is available, too. Either petrol engine provides a great soundtrack and the performance to match. The 3.2 in particular is muscular and swift. The 2.2 needs to be worked harder to make quick progress, but it's no slouch.

The Brera has sharp steering that guides you accurately through bends. However, it's still no sports car because there's too much body lean. Push hard and the front tyres drift wide - especially in heavier V6-engined versions. On the other hand, though, the four-wheel-drive system on the V6 allows more secure acceleration on greasy roads. The Brera is quite forgiving over patchy surfaces, but it tends to lurch over larger humps and shudder over potholes.

There's a pleasant burble from the 2.2 at low revs, and a harder-edged rasp close to the red line. The V6 grumbles in a low, bass voice at idle, and sounds better the harder it's pushed. At a steady cruise, neither engine intrudes, and wind and road noise are kept to acceptable levels.

Prices are high, starting just below £23,000 and resale values of Alfa Romeos tend to be weak relative to German rivals, like the Audi TT. Running costs on the V6 is also be high.

The Brera's cabin seems well built from high quality materials. However, Alfa Romeo's performance in recent reliability and customer satisfaction surveys has been disappointing. Company bosses know that quality and reliability need to improve, and they pledge the Brera will win over the doubters. Time will tell.

Under the skin, the Brera is closely related to the 159 compact executive saloon, which has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP crash testers. The Brera has not been tested, but the performance of its sister car bodes well. Safety kit will include stability control and seven airbags.

Legroom is fine, but even drivers of average height are likely to end up with a crick in their neck, because the seat is too high – even in its lowest setting – and the panoramic glass roof steals space. Smaller owners will struggle to find a comfortable balance of adjustment between the seat, steering wheel and pedals.

Although the car has four seats, you'd need a detachable head and arms to make yourself comfortable in the back. Space in the front is also tight. The boot offers 300 litres of space (610 litres with the rear seats folded), but there's a hip-high lip which you'll have to lift your bags over.

Dual-zone climate control, a CD player, cruise control, remote central locking, leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels are a standard fit. Standard safety equipment includes stability control and seven airbags.