Phil,



Intersting to hear your thoughts on the GT. I too test drove the GT
recently - in fact I test drove both the 2.0 JTS and the 1.9 JTD.



Like you I thought the 2.0 JTS was kinda tight and didn't really feel like
much of a performance upgrade from my 156 1.8TS Lusso.



I think the outside looks fantastic (definitely much better in the metal
than in pictures) and was also impressed with the fit and finish of the
interior (although you must remember I'm comparing it to a 4 year old 156
here!)



The biggest surprise I got was when I test drove the 1.9 JTD. The
performance was staggering! Loads of grunt, fantastic mid range
acceleration, nice relaxed 6th gear motorway cruising - I was hooked and
have ordered one as a result!



Only problem now is the protracted delivery times due to the Italian
holidays - ah well good things come to those who wait and all that...



Grahame.



"PhilipS" > wrote in message
m...
> Hi everyone,
>
> Took a GT 2.0 JTS out for a test drive on Saturday, thought I'd share
> my opinions with the group (for what they are worth!), I would welcome
> other people's opinions, as I am very seriously thinking of buying.
> My comparisons are to my current steed - 147 1.6 lusso.
>
> Overall, I was impressed, it looks better in the metal than the
> pictures, somehow much meaner (not that it doesn't look good in the
> photos!). There is something slightly 'uncomfortable' about the
> rear-on view I think.
>
> From the 3 or 4 they had, I would say light colours suit it better
> than dark. The standard 16" wheels look too small, 17"s look good. I
> saw one with the gunmetal grey spoked 17" GTA wheels, which I didn't
> think looked as good as the silver spoked wheels.
>
> The interior is pretty much regular 147, so I was slightly
> disappointed that it didn't feel that different to my current car.
> They have changed the lower centre console area, around the gear
> stick, it looks a bit plasticy and has lost some of simplicity of the
> 147 arrangement. Although the dash moulding is the same, it is a
> different, softer less grainy material, which I think feels a bit
> cheaper quality (although I'm sure the intention was the opposite).
> The whole ambience was much better inside another one I sat in with
> the momo hide, which looks very good. It was all a bit creaky and
> the lid on the gearbox/ashtray thing wouldn't close. Boot was a
> useful size, rear headroom is not great (but better than 3 series
> coupe).
>
> The door trims are 147, but have frameless windows, so they have used
> an ugly black rubber plug to fill the gap where the pillar would be to
> save on a new door lining, which is a shame.
>
> Overall I think the interior quality was a bit down on my 147?
>
> The JTS engine still felt very tight (only 1100miles), that will
> loosen up. Lifting the bonnet it looked more like a VW TDi than an
> alfa! Too much black plastic, and not as good looking as my T.Spark
> unit. The handling was much more positive, overall it felt much more
> sporty, and the body was more rigid. I wonder whether they have added
> more weight to the power steering, or it may just be the wider tyres,
> it felt meatier and suited the car. The ride was firmer, but still
> very good, even running on the 17" low profiles. The JTS unit didn't
> sound quite as sweet as the T Spark, but mine didn't really start to
> sing until 10k miles plus! I think the JTS will be a real goer with
> some more miles on it. Going from a 147, you can just jump in and
> drive it like you've had it for years.
>
> So there you go! I did like the car, it looks very special, but maybe
> I was slightly disappointed how similar it is overall to the 147.
> Putting aside the exterior it is maybe down a bit on quality (pillar
> plugs, dash material) and passion/detailing (engine note, engine
> appearance). I think you would see more of the differences (ie
> performance, handling) in time, when you use it everyday. I now need
> to decide whether it is worth nearly three times my current car's
> value?
>
> Thanks for reading my ramblings!
>
> Thoughts? Opinions?
>
> Cheers all, PhilipS