YOU know what you are going to get with an Alfa, dreamy looks and sporty determination with bags of driver involvement.
In some cases too much driver involvement could be required and Q2 versions of high-powered diesel models were introduced last winter to bring in more assurance and control through a limited slip front differential system.
The extra grip generated by the varying torque to the front wheels is clearly in evidence if you open up the GT coupe, although other factors are at work in the improved driving feel. There's the exclusive double-wishbone suspension at the front for a start, while the car's ride height has been lowered and new settings introduced for the anti-roll bars, springs and dampers.
Put the whole thing together and the GT's straight-line take-off under hard acceleration is super-confident, while weaving A roads are a joy - push into a bend and the diff ensures the car is anchored to your chosen line. The traction and stability departments of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system seem almost superfluous and it is a big step forward for Alfa, although the light-feel steering could do with more work.
The handling credentials are in partnership with a fine MultiJet turbo diesel engine that delivers punch aplenty, and the smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox is an ideal team-mate. The 150bhp unit turns out a hefty 225lb/ft of pull at 2,000 revs, 90 per cent of that is available at 1,750 and you can get useful lift-off at even lower revs. That said, the engine only begins to feel and sound really content as you reach the motorway speed limit. Shame.
Nevertheless, here you have a lively, rapidly-accelerating car that gives you 58mpg on the open road with considerate driving (I hammered it a bit and still got 48mpg) and carbon dioxide emissions are kept in healthy check for a sporty car.
The ride is decidedly firm and while the one at the wheel has a smile on their face, those accompanying may be forced to grin and bear it.
The car is sweeping and low - less than 1.4 metres in height - and the two passengers at the back (I don't see how Alfa reckons on three) will undoubtedly feel squeezed. The low and lowering roof and the tight dimensions also mean that, despite very big front doors, getting into and out of the back demands some athleticism.
There are also over-the-shoulder visibility problems for the driver and a letter-box view via the rear-view mirror.
But driver and front passenger occupy low-slung sports seats so they don't encounter the headroom problems of those at the back, the cutaway dash opens up more space and convex doors cleverly give extra elbow room. Road noise intrudes into the cabin but there's no doubting the style there.
Q2 models have distinctive design signatures, the cabin using just a few bright metal highlights to balance a distinguished black look. There's s sporty theme, of course, with red dials and white lighting, red stitching for the leather upholstery and grips, aluminium pedals and Q2 kick plates.
The steering wheel, with height and reach variation, has remote controls for the Bose sound system (useful, because the console buttons are a bit fiddly), with the cruise control on a stalk behind.
Other equipment includes dual-zone climate control, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, six airbags, height-adjusting driver's seat, multi-function display and trip computer and armrests front and back.
Externally, the Q2 GT features a satin finish on the grille and mirror housings, 18in alloys, a rear spoiler and chromed exhausts. Those are grafted on to the standard GT look which incorporates steeply-raked windscreen and rear window and a rising waistline, and it's all lovely to look at.
Almost unexpectedly there's a good-sized boot and folding the 60:40 split rear seats gives you a flat load bay of more than 900 litres.
You are not going to turn to the GT if you are looking for a practical family car, but, by gum, it's romantic and, in Q2 form, is a delight to drive.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTDm Q2
Price: £24,445
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,910c, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.6 secs
Combined mpg: 45.6
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 165g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust