Combined, this suspension layout provided a soft and absorbent ride which greatly enhanced the car's handling and consequently driver satisfaction. Looking at a respectable example almost 30 years on, the immediate impression is one of how diminutive the car is. In fact the Alfa assumes Dinky toy proportions when placed in modern traffic and makes much that is on the road appear overweight and clumsy in style. The car is well-proportioned and lacks any outlandish design features. A typical Alfa front exhibits a vertical grille and horizontal air intakes.
Bumpers are on the chunky side, though, for such a delicate car.
The flat bonnet is spoiled a little by the exposed hinges which sit at the foot of the shallow screen. Closer inspection of this particular car reveals that owners have carried much work over the years. Despite this, there has been little problem with the mechanics and the current owner is quite pleased about how the engine and gearbox have stood up to the test of time - which says a lot for the quality of Alfa's engineering. Even with the hood up it's not too difficult to get into the Alfa because the doors open wide to help you. Again, a large steering wheel sits fairly close to your chest but more worrying is the fact that it drops virtually into your lap, thus encouraging a splayed leg driving position.