Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011) Review
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Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011) At A Glance
Alfa badge still counts for a lot, especially when we’re talking about the classics. Brera S better to drive if you can find a good one. Looks great from some angles, others less so.
Suspension issues and tricky electrics are both causes for concern, while limited numbers mean finding a Brera that’s a good buy may not straightforward.
The Alfa Romeo Brera is one of those classic automotive ‘what if?’ stories. Back in 2002, the Brera concept, created by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, cloaked a 400PS Maserati engine and rear-drive platform with a head-turning, aggressively proportioned two-door coupe body.
Sadly, the road car it previewed was compromised by the platform it was obliged to share with the Alfa 159. And while the lack of a V8 under the bonnet or rear-wheel drive is forgivable, especially in terms of affordability, the production Brera’s long nose and bob-tailed rear lacked the elegance of the show car, arguably making the 159 saloon’s proportions feel right more of the time.
The Brera’s slightly compromised looks foreshadowed a driving experience that didn’t quite stack up, either. Despite being offered with a V6, weight problems took the sheen off what probably should have been an entry into the Alfa hall of fame.
British buyers benefitted from the Brera S, where Alfa UK slipped motorsports legends Prodrive £1million and gave them 12 months to tidy up the coupe’s handling. Eibach springs that were 50% stiffer and Bilstein dampers dropped the Brera 10mm lower over Brembo brakes and excellent 8C-inspired alloys, giving a glimpse of the car the Brera perhaps should have been.
However, while the Alfa Brera might not have converted from concept to reality, it still possesses a certain charm. In the right light, from the right angle and in the right spec, a Brera can pull at heartstrings like any good Alfa, while left-brained logic can even point to the fact that it can be had with a relatively economical diesel engine.
The Brera has rarity on its side, which could point to a lack of success at the time it was on sale. However, now it makes finding a good one a little tricky and cars with lower miles tend to command higher prices.
If you’re willing to put in the legwork, that Alfa badge coupled with rarity and multiplied by the fact that the Brera isn’t encumbered by tedious ADAS bings and bongs and you have the makings of a modern classic and potential decent investment if well looked after.
If only the finished result could have been just as pure as the original concept…
Reviews for Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals
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Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1750 TBi to 3.2 JTS V6 QTRONIC
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 16–42 mpg
The Brera was built on the GM/Fiat Premium Platform that was developed predominantly by Saab. However, the breakdown of that particular alliance meant the Alfa Romeo 159 and Brera were two of the few cars that actually made it to production using the somewhat complicated platform.
The platform did allow the Brera to be offered with front and four-wheel drive, plus a choice of four and six-cylinder petrol and five-cylinder diesel engines. The engines are all pretty well proven and should be reliable, even at high mileages, providing they’ve been looked after.
Timing chain replacement is essential on the petrols, so ensure it’s present and in timely fashion in the service history. The same goes for cambelts and water pumps on the diesels, as the latter can seize, taking the belt down with it.
Despite its relatively compact dimensions, the original V6 with all-wheel drive, plus passengers and luggage, might just tip the wrong side of two tonnes. That means the Brera does work its suspension and tyres hard, so it’s worth checking for signs of clunks and creaks from the suspension and uneven tyre wear that could indicate sinister things are afoot.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1750 TBi | 35 mpg | 7.7 s | 189 g/km |
| 2.0 JTDm | 52 mpg | 8.8 s | 142 g/km |
| 2.2 JTS | 30–31 mpg | 8.6 s | 218–221 g/km |
| 2.4 JTDm | 42 mpg | 7.9–8.1 s | 179 g/km |
| 2.4 JTDm QTRONIC | 36 mpg | 8.3 s | 208 g/km |
| 3.2 JTS | 25–26 mpg | 6.8–7.0 s | 260–273 g/km |
| 3.2 JTS V6 QTRONIC | 23 mpg | 7.0 s | 286 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
84%
Real MPG
16–42 mpg
MPGs submitted
81
Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011) interior
- Boot space is 300–610 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4410 mm |
| Width | 1830 mm |
| Height | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2528 mm |
The Brera’s interior is pretty much wholeheartedly transplanted from the Alfa 159. And that’s no bad thing, as the dashboard curves around the driver just so and there’s a trio of analogue dials in the centre of the dash - labelled in Italian of course - that only add to the analogue appeal.
It’s well equipped but it’s worth taking the time to make sure things like the climate control all function as intended, as spares aren’t always the easiest thing to track down. It’s also worth trying to find a car where the previous owners haven’t had a sheaf of keys on their car keyring, as the key sits in a slot in the dash, allowing others to scratch up the surface around it.
The seats are a bit of a disappointment as they look fantastic, but are a bit hard and are set a bit too high to get a driving position that feels like you’re properly driving the car, rather than sitting on top of it. The big bolsters can also wear over time, especially on high-mileage cars.
The swoop of the Brera’s tail means giant C-pillars and a tiny letterbox of a rear window, so visibility is minimal. Not a deal breaker, but worth considering if you plan to drive the car in town.
Alfa Romeo Brera (2006 – 2011) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4410 mm |
| Width | 1830 mm |
| Height | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2528 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1430–1630 kg |
| Boot Space | 300–610 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 18000–21000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £22,800–£33,615 |
| Insurance Groups | 24–33 |
| Road Tax Bands | F–M |
| Official MPG | 23.2–52.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2011
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1750 TBi 3dr | £25,205 | 34.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 3dr | £24,995 | 52.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.2 JTS 3dr | £25,330 | 30.7 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 2.4 JTDm 3dr | £28,745 | 41.5 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.4 JTDm QTRONIC 3dr Auto | £30,455 | 35.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 3dr | £30,065 | 25.7 mpg | 7.0 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 3dr | £32,115 | 24.7 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 QTRONIC 3dr Auto | £33,615 | 23.2 mpg | 7.0 s |
On sale until July 2007
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.4 JTDM SV 3dr | £26,995 | 41.5 mpg | 7.9 s |
On sale until February 2007
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.2 JTS SV 3dr | £23,995 | 30.1 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 SV 3dr | £29,250 | 24.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 SV 3dr Auto | £29,250 | - | - |
On sale until March 2006
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.2 JTS 3dr | £22,800 | 30.1 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 2.4 JTDM 3dr | £26,400 | 41.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 3dr | £28,750 | 24.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
Model History
March 2005
Debut at Geneva Motor Show
On sale late 2005. 2+2 dimensions: 4,414mm long, 1,830mm wide, and 1,372mm high. Deeply tapered front and rear styling creates impression of a very compact car. Three levels of trim and choice of 2.4 JTD 200 bhp turbodiesel , and two petrol engines (185 bhp 2.2 JTS or 260 bhp 3.2) coupled to either an automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox depending on version. Integral Alfa Q4 traction control system in some versions.
May 2008
After a year of intensive suspension and chassis development at Prodrive, Brera S launched, endowing Alfa Brera with better driver feedback and handling. Power from same direct injection petrol engines – the 185 bhp 2.2 JTS and the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 JTS.
May 2010
Alfa Romeo UK introduced its new 200 bhp 1750 TBi petrol and the 170 bhp 2.0 JTD M diesel engines to the Alfa Brera coupé and Alfa Spider convertible range.
In addition to the two new engines produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), an exclusive edition trim level will be available, known as Italia Independent – featuring unique content including a matt black titanium exterior finish, 18-inch black opaque turbine design alloy wheels, carbon fibre effect trim inserts and a radio/sat-nav system. The Italia Independent trim will be available on all Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider derivatives.
The new Alfa Romeo 1750 TBi engine. Lightweight, variable valve timing, direct injection turbocharged. 200 bhp with 320 Nm of torque. From a standstill, the 1750 TBi engined Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider go from 0 - 62 mph in times of 7.7 and 7.8 seconds respectively, before both topping out at 146 mph. Routine maintenance intervals for the 1750 TBi version will be set at every 21,000 miles.
Alfa’s 2.0 JTDM powerplant develops 170 bhp at 4,000 rpm, and the latest incarnation of its MultiJet technology means that the 2.0 JTDM unit delivers its maximum torque of 360 Nm between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm. 2.0 JTDM powered Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider cover 0 – 62 mph sprint in just 8.8 and 9.0 seconds, with a top speed of 135 mph. Emissions are reduced to just 142 g/km – putting these vehicles into one of the lower road charge tax bands. Routine maintenance intervals for the 2.0 JTDM version are set at every 21,000 miles.
From the exterior, the Italia Independent trim is distinguished by its head-turning matt black titaniuim finish, 18-inch black opaque ‘turbine’ design alloy wheels, red brake calipers and Alfa 8C inspired aluminium fuel cap.
Internally, the car boasts a sporty black leather bound steering wheel and gear knob with red stitching, carbon-fibre trim inserts, sports dials, black sports leather upholstered seats with Italia Independent branded headrests, aluminium sports pedals and foot rest, and a high-tech radio/sat-nav sytem with Blue&Me™.
| Characteristics | 1750 TBi | 2.0 JTD M |
| No of cylinders, arrangement | 4 in line, transverse front mounted | 4 in line, transverse front mounted |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 83 x 80.5 | 83 x 90.4 |
| Displacement (cc) | 1742 | 1956 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 | 16.5 : 1 |
| Max power output bhp (kW-EC) at rpm | 200 (147) 5000 | 170 (125) 4000 |
| Peak torque Nm(kgm-EC) at rpm | 320 (32.7) 1400 | 360 (36.7) 1750 |
| Timing system | 2 OHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, direct injection Belt drive, roller rocker arms | 2 OHCs (toothed belt), hydraulic tappets, 4 valves per cylinder, MultiJet direct injection with turbocharger and intercooler |
| Fuel feed | Direct injection with turbocharger integrated with ignition, scavenging functional mode | Bosch EDC 16C39 electronic engine management system |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V) | ||
| Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A) | 90/120 | 90/100 |
| TRANSMISSION | ||
| Drive | Front | Front |
| Number of gears Final ratio | 6 + 1R - 3.545 | 6 + 1R - 3.545 |
| TYRES | ||
| Standard version | 225/50 R 17 | 225/50 R 17 |
| STEERING SYSTEM | ||
| Steering system | Rack and pinion with power steering | Rack and pinion with power steering |
| Steering diameter kerb-to-kerb m) | 10.7 | 10.7 |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | Independent with double wishbones and anti-roll bar anchored via ball joints | Independent with double wishbones and anti-roll bar anchored via ball joints |
| Rear | Independent with Multilink design | Independent with Multilink design |
| BRAKES – (DISCS) | ||
| Front (mm) | Ventilated 330 x 28 D, fixed aluminium calliper with four 42 mm pistons | Ventilated 330 x 28 D, fixed aluminium calliper with four 42 mm pistons |
| Rear (mm) | Solid 292 x 22 D, combined 42 mm floating calliper | Ventilated 292 x 22 D, combined 42 mm floating calliper |
| WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY | ||
| Fuel tank (l) | 70 | 70 |
| Kerb weight DIN (kg) | 1430 | 1480 |
| Max towable weight (kg) | 1450 | 1500 |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| Top speed mph (km/h) | 146 (235) | 135 (218) |
| Acceleration (driver + 30 kg) 0-62 mph (s) | 7.7 | 8.8 |
| 0-1000 m (s) | 28.9 | 30.2 |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS* | ||
| urban cycle mpg (l/100 km) | 23.9 (11.8) | 39.8 (7.1) |
| extra-urban cycle mpg (l/100 km) | 47.1 (6.0) | 64.2 (4.4) |
| combined cycle mpg (l/100 km) | 34.9 (8.1) | 52.3 (5.4) |
| Exhaust emissions – CO 2 (g/km) | 189 | 142 |
| Emissions Standard | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
| ALFA SPIDER | ||
| Characteristics | 1750 TBi | 2.0 JTD M |
| No of cylinders, arrangement | 4 in line, transverse front mounted | 4 in line, transverse front mounted |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 83 x 80.5 | 83 x 90.4 |
| Displacement (cc) | 1742 | 1956 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 | 16.5 : 1 |
| Max power output bhp (kW-EC) at rpm | 200 (147) 5000 | 170 (125) 4000 |
| Peak torque Nm(kgm-EC) at rpm | 320 (32.7) 1400 | 360 (36.7) 1750 |
| Timing system | 2 OHC, 4 valves per cylinder variable valve timing, direct injection Belt drive, roller rocker arms | 2 OHCs (toothed belt), hydraulic tappets, 4 valves per cylinder, MultiJet direct injection with turbocharger and intercooler |
| Fuel feed | Direct injection with turbocharger integrated with ignition, scavenging functional mode | Bosch EDC 16C39 electronic engine management system |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V) | ||
| Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A) | 90/120 | 90/100 |
| TRANSMISSION | ||
| Drive | Front | Front |
| Number of gears Final ratio | 6 + 1R - 3.545 | 6 + 1R - 3.545 |
| TYRES | ||
| Standard version | 225/50 R 17 | 225/50 R 17 |
| STEERING SYSTEM | ||
| Steering system | Rack and pinion with power steering | Rack and pinion with power steering |
| Steering diameter kerb-to-kerb m) | 10.7 | 10.7 |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | Independent with double wishbones and anti-roll bar anchored via ball joints | |
| Rear | Independent with Multilink design | |
| BRAKES – (DISCS) | ||
| Front (mm) | Ventilated 330 x 28 D, fixed aluminium calliper with four 42 mm pistons | Ventilated 330 x 28 D, fixed aluminium calliper with four 42 mm pistons |
| Rear (mm) | Solid 292 x 22 D, combined 42 mm floating calliper | Ventilated 292 x 22 D, combined 42 mm floating calliper |
| WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY | ||
| Fuel tank (l) | 70 | 70 |
| Kerb weight DIN (kg) | 1490 | 1540 |
| Max towable weight (kg) | 1450 | 1500 |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| Top speed mph (km/h) | 146 (235) | 135 (218) |
| Acceleration (driver + 30 kg) 0-62 mph (s) | 7.8 | 9.0 |
| 0-1000 m (s) | 29.2 | 30.5 |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS* | ||
| urban cycle mpg (l/100 km) | 23.7 (11.9) | 39.8 (7.1) |
| extra-urban cycle mpg (l/100 km) | 46.3 (6.1) | 64.2 (4.4) |
| combined cycle mpg (l/100 km) | 34.5 (8.2) | 52.3 (5.4) |
| Exhaust emissions – CO2 (g/km) | 192 | 142 |
| Emissions Standard | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
What to watch out for
Seems to be a braking problem on diesels, which have a vacuum pump for the brake servo assistance: can feel like total failure of brakes, but only happens intermittently. Replacing master cylinder has cured it in some cases.
Report of timing belt of 2.4 diesel failing at 66k miles against Alfa 'life' of 72k miles.
Apparently no oil pumps for 2.4 JTDM in the whole of Europe in Feb 2012.
