IT'S been a long time coming, but Alfa Romeo is back in the limelight with one of its most inspired models in years.
Those magic letters GT once again grace the sexy lines of a cool coupe from the Italian manufacturer.
And if the under-21s believe Gran Turismo is all about high speed chases on a computer screen there will be more folk for whom images of elegant classics like the Giulia Sprint are conjured up.
It doesn't take long to fall under this latest GT's spell. Everything about the car's design - which is by Bertone - oozes style, whether it be the retro crafting with its hints of the original GTV or the trademark Alfa grille with its low-slung menace.
Move inside and the touches are again chic - slender chrome gearknob, metal-effect air vents and funky handles for tipping the rear seats forward.
There's also a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, simply organised dash area and seats that are covered with Alfatex, a new suede-effect fabric.
As for interior space, well predictably for this type of car there's ample room up front and just enough to accommodate two adults in rear.
That, however, is only if the driver doesn't need to have the front seat slid too far back.
What you wouldn't predict is the terrific available space in the boot, which is far better than in most coupes and can be extended by exploiting the various split-fold, rear seat combinations.
On the negative side, a shallow back window hampers rear visibility.
The GT is based on a modified version of the Alfa 156 chassis and comes with with a choice of the excellent 2.0-litre JTS engine used in the 156, the proven 1.9-litre JTD diesel or a fiery 3.2-litre V6.
The tested 2.0-litre petrol unit, with five-speed manual transmission - you pay an extra £2,050 for paddle-shift Selespeed - actually costs £500 more than the oil-burner but has the edge on performance if not economy.
It's a cracking car to drive thanks to precise handling, flick of the wrist cornering and the added bonus of an engine rasp that sounds more like a six-cylinder.
Feel from the steering can seem a touch light, but that's not in the least bit disconcerting and the balance between a sporty and a smooth ride is spot-on.
Standard equipment is comprehensive and includes ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, six airbags, 16-spoke alloys, 8-speaker CD sound system, climate control, Follow Me Home headlamps, remote central locking, alarm, immobiliser and fire prevention system.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo GT JTS
Price: £21,495 on the road
Mechanical: 165bhp, 1,970cc, 4-cylinder, 16 valve petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8.7 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance Group: 15
CO2 emissions: 207g/km
BiK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust.