Alfa 4c - the first two weeks
Discussion
So, I have had my Black 4c for two weeks now and this is a brief summary of my thoughts and observations.
Its looks great in the flesh (plastic) and the fit and finish is excellent though some of the interior plastics are cheap and rough to the touch. Seats are good but finding the right position takes time. I'm 1.83m and can't see the rev counter without slouching. For the first 152 miles (250km) no Dynamic mode was available so performance is just "brisk". Brakes are very good but lack some feel but this may change as the tyres and pads bed in. Auto box works ok but does tend to change down too early. In Lewis Hamilton mode then you are in control and the only issue so far is remembering which paddle is which once the wheel has turned. Auto blipping on the down change is ok but a bit weird to start with.
Steering is heavy until you are up to around 10mph then its quite good. It's no Lotus in the "feel" but does give good feedback. Only a little tramlining has been found so far and certainly it doesn't change direction on its own?
Once the oil is up to 100c then its good to go and yes, its fast. Traction is good with only the occasional TSC light on the dash. After my first fill up with petrol the car averaged 33.6 mpg.
People love it and ask lots of questions, the carbon tub looks great and yes you can hear the upgraded alpine stereo. This car is noisy though and there is an annoying drone from the exhaust that starts at 65mph. My car has the "Race Pack"
Anybody attending the Breakfast meeting at the Hare, Roxwell, near Chelsmford tomorrow (6th June) is welcome to come and have a chat.
Its looks great in the flesh (plastic) and the fit and finish is excellent though some of the interior plastics are cheap and rough to the touch. Seats are good but finding the right position takes time. I'm 1.83m and can't see the rev counter without slouching. For the first 152 miles (250km) no Dynamic mode was available so performance is just "brisk". Brakes are very good but lack some feel but this may change as the tyres and pads bed in. Auto box works ok but does tend to change down too early. In Lewis Hamilton mode then you are in control and the only issue so far is remembering which paddle is which once the wheel has turned. Auto blipping on the down change is ok but a bit weird to start with.
Steering is heavy until you are up to around 10mph then its quite good. It's no Lotus in the "feel" but does give good feedback. Only a little tramlining has been found so far and certainly it doesn't change direction on its own?
Once the oil is up to 100c then its good to go and yes, its fast. Traction is good with only the occasional TSC light on the dash. After my first fill up with petrol the car averaged 33.6 mpg.
People love it and ask lots of questions, the carbon tub looks great and yes you can hear the upgraded alpine stereo. This car is noisy though and there is an annoying drone from the exhaust that starts at 65mph. My car has the "Race Pack"
Anybody attending the Breakfast meeting at the Hare, Roxwell, near Chelsmford tomorrow (6th June) is welcome to come and have a chat.
Glad you like it.
Which Alpine did you get? Mine has the Parrott and it's not great so I might upgrade the upgrade.
Are you heading over to Goodwood? Be good to see it in the flesh if you are (there will be 3 of us going so mine will be at home sadly)
I'm 6' too and with the seat right back and as low as it will go and the steering wheel out as far as possible I am very comfortable and I can see the dials fine.
Which Alpine did you get? Mine has the Parrott and it's not great so I might upgrade the upgrade.
Are you heading over to Goodwood? Be good to see it in the flesh if you are (there will be 3 of us going so mine will be at home sadly)
I'm 6' too and with the seat right back and as low as it will go and the steering wheel out as far as possible I am very comfortable and I can see the dials fine.
My Alpine unit was part of the upgrade option boxed ticked by the ordering customer, I will check the model number later.
I am going to the Goodwood festival of speed but taking my other high performance car built in England. They are major sponsors this year and have supplied complementary tickets. Maybe take the 4c next year.
I am going to the Goodwood festival of speed but taking my other high performance car built in England. They are major sponsors this year and have supplied complementary tickets. Maybe take the 4c next year.
I'll just plonk this here
I've the press car for a week. I won't plug where I work, but my friend Guy took the pictures: http://www.guyswarbrick.com/automotive (the 4C pictures are not up yet)
I agree the Parrott is rubbish, I understand all Spiders will come with the Alpine unit. Bear in mind the Alpine was panned in the Evora. It's very hard for low volume manufacturers to compete in electronics. Not that FCA is low volume but what I had in the last Mito I drove wasn't great either.
What strikes me is how much induction noise there is compared with exhaust noise. I'm not that impressed with the graphics for the speedo/rev counter. It's not easy enough to read and I'd like more options on what it shows.
I don't agree with the reviews which diss the steering wheel. I rather like it.
Simon.
I've the press car for a week. I won't plug where I work, but my friend Guy took the pictures: http://www.guyswarbrick.com/automotive (the 4C pictures are not up yet)
I agree the Parrott is rubbish, I understand all Spiders will come with the Alpine unit. Bear in mind the Alpine was panned in the Evora. It's very hard for low volume manufacturers to compete in electronics. Not that FCA is low volume but what I had in the last Mito I drove wasn't great either.
What strikes me is how much induction noise there is compared with exhaust noise. I'm not that impressed with the graphics for the speedo/rev counter. It's not easy enough to read and I'd like more options on what it shows.
I don't agree with the reviews which diss the steering wheel. I rather like it.
Simon.
simonrockman said:
I'll just plonk this here
I've the press car for a week. I won't plug where I work, but my friend Guy took the pictures: http://www.guyswarbrick.com/automotive (the 4C pictures are not up yet)
I agree the Parrott is rubbish, I understand all Spiders will come with the Alpine unit. Bear in mind the Alpine was panned in the Evora. It's very hard for low volume manufacturers to compete in electronics. Not that FCA is low volume but what I had in the last Mito I drove wasn't great either.
What strikes me is how much induction noise there is compared with exhaust noise. I'm not that impressed with the graphics for the speedo/rev counter. It's not easy enough to read and I'd like more options on what it shows.
I don't agree with the reviews which diss the steering wheel. I rather like it.
Simon.
Your press car has almost certainly had the upgrades through Pitstop Programme, which includes a new front suspension that dramatically improves the steering. Mine has just been returned (for a second time) and it feels like a different car. Previously the steering definately had a mind of its ownI've the press car for a week. I won't plug where I work, but my friend Guy took the pictures: http://www.guyswarbrick.com/automotive (the 4C pictures are not up yet)
I agree the Parrott is rubbish, I understand all Spiders will come with the Alpine unit. Bear in mind the Alpine was panned in the Evora. It's very hard for low volume manufacturers to compete in electronics. Not that FCA is low volume but what I had in the last Mito I drove wasn't great either.
What strikes me is how much induction noise there is compared with exhaust noise. I'm not that impressed with the graphics for the speedo/rev counter. It's not easy enough to read and I'd like more options on what it shows.
I don't agree with the reviews which diss the steering wheel. I rather like it.
Simon.
Went to the local Alfa dealer and sat in the 4C.
It is easier to ingress/egress than the Elise. Like the Elise, once you are in, you feel like you are in a cockpit. In terms of easiest to most difficult ingress/egress, Elise, 4C, Evora, Corvette.
Here in the US, Launch Edition cars are selling for over $70,000. Once the price drops to $50,000, I think it will be a successful seller in the US.
It is easier to ingress/egress than the Elise. Like the Elise, once you are in, you feel like you are in a cockpit. In terms of easiest to most difficult ingress/egress, Elise, 4C, Evora, Corvette.
Here in the US, Launch Edition cars are selling for over $70,000. Once the price drops to $50,000, I think it will be a successful seller in the US.
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff