ENGINES - You don't get much choice with the GTV, but what you do get to choose from is worthy of praise.

First generation GTVs were powered by Alfa's tuneful 2.0-litre Twin Spark unit or the melodious 3.0-litre V6. The former was powerful enough, while the V6 sounded great but drank fuel.

Face-lifted cars from 2003 were fitted with an improved 2.0-litre unit and a 3.2-litre V6 - both boasting horsepower increases.

In the real world the former is good enough, as the V6 can overwhelm the car's so-so chassis. You'll buy it because of the noise it makes, though.

BODYWORK - The GTV has stood the test of time well - you'll struggle to find rust or major cosmetic problems.

That said, this trendy little car is often used as a city runabout so be vigilant for the usual parking dents, scrapes and kerbed alloys. Stone chips on the car's long bonnet can also be a problem on very high mileage cars.

INTERIOR - Poor build quality might be in the past now, but it's still worth taking a few minutes to ensure everything in the GTV's cabin is solid.

Early cars sometimes suffered with less than brilliant fit and finish, but later cars were visibly better. The GTV's cabin is a dark and snug affair, so make sure you're good at travelling light and don't play for a basketball team - headroom isn't terribly generous.

DRIVING - For all the GTV's curvy lines and eager engines, the little Alfa won't give Elise drivers sleepless nights.

Driven at eight tenths the GTV is a fine B-road companion, although wet roads will have the car searching for grip.

The same is true in the dry if you're in a V6 and you've got an exceptionally heavy right foot.

And visibility isn't that good thanks to the letter box-slit of a windscreen. Apart from that the GTV is a great car if you're after something stylish and swift.

IMAGE - Fashionable when first launched, Alfa's GTV remains good looking today. The car's original, compact grille has made way for a more pronounced version but the overall look is distinctive in a similar way to that of Fiat's Coupe.

This is a car that places flair over versatility, but few owners seem to mind. Reliability woes have scared away plenty of buyers, and it's only now that such a reputation has started to diminish. However, for anyone unmoved by cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the GTV has enough charm of its own.

OWNERSHIP - The key to successful GTV ownership is to buy a solid, looked after example in the first place.

Do that, find a switched-on independent spannerman and you'll be laughing.

Be aware that the little Alfa's cabin is decidedly snug, though. It's no hatchback replacement, although in every other way it's refined and easy to live with.

The V6's thirst for fuel might come as a surprise if you've not run a sports car before. For most people the 2.0-litre models are a more affordable but no less desirable alternative.