Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019) Review
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Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019) Verdict
Impressive performance from 1750 turbocharged engine. Exotic specification of carbon fibre tub construction. Good looks and rarity.
Engine sounds terrible. Interior lacks quality for something costing £45,000. Heinously over-active steering requires constant corrections.
Find out more about the Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019)
The Alfa Romeo 4C is lightweight, mid engined, composite bodied sportscar that makes the most of a relatively small engine by its light weight and impeccable handling.
You could almost hear the collective intake of breath from Alfa Romeo fans worldwide when the 4C was first shown in 2011. Following the short-run, high-cost, if not fantastically received 8C Competizione, the 4C gave some hope to those seduced by the Italian brand that they might finally have something attainable worth saving for.
Forget sharp-looking Fiat-in-disguise models like the Giulietta and MiTo. The 4C is a proper, bespoke sports car, that’s lightweight and gorgeous - if you ignore the woeful Gary-from-Halfords-designed headlamps - mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. A proper sports car. And to many a proper Alfa.
Much of the 4C’s appeal centres around its construction. It features a carbon fibre tub, which might not mean anything to you, but it’s what Formula One drivers sit in. Indeed, the only production cars to feature the same carbon fibre tub construction include the McLaren 650S, Lamborghini Aventador and a handful of other mega-money exotics and supercars. The 4C’s construction really does put it among some very rarefied machinery indeed.
In that company then the £45,000 Alfa Romeo asks for the 4C looks like something of a bargain. Making that price possible does mean that much of the parts hanging off that fancy carbon fibre tub are used elsewhere in the Alfa Romeo line-up, but the attention to detail remains impressive, regardless.
The mid-mounted engine, introduced with the 4C, is an aluminium 1750cc direct injection turbocharged unit, that lightweight build allowing it to drop some 22kg in weight over the same output and capacity engine in the Giulietta QV.
That dedication to weight reduction sees the 4C boast an unladen weight of 895kg, all of which means the 240PS and 350Nm of torque the 1750 turbocharged unit produces is put to very good use. Acelleration from 0-62mph arrives in just 4.5 seconds if you use the launch control, the 4C’s acceleration aided by the rapid shifts from the paddle-shifted automatic twin-clutch transmission.
All that performance and lightweight does come with some compromises though. The 4C is a very single-minded machine, its focus on its featherweight build much in the same vein as the Lotus Elise, only here it’s arguably more compromised.
The cabin is tight, vision out of it heavily restricted and it’s pretty austere looking. But then the 4C isn’t likely to be bought with commuting and daily drives in mind, so such focus is entirely forgivable. And doubtless appealing to the sort of buyer looking for the sort of thrills the compact, lightweight two-seat 4C promises.
Reviews for Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1750 TBi Spider to 1750 TBi
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 33–49 mpg
If the Alfa Romeo 4C’s specification reads more like a Lotus, than the pretty if entirely average hatches the Italian brand more usually produces then that’s entirely deliberate. Alfa insiders are unequivocal in their assertion that the 4C is a car that’s aimed at the sort of drivers who absolutely love driving, this is an Alfa that’s more than just about look-at-me styling.
They’re absolutely right too, as you’ll need to be utterly committed to the cause to consider the 4C, as the thrills it brings aren’t produced without some sizeable and serious compromises. The good bits first though. The 4C’s light weight is really noticeable on the road, the lack of mass for that turbocharged engine to shift - allied to its decent response for a turbo unit - make the 4C always, and entertainingly accelerative.
The engine’s performance isn’t without some provisos though, for all its response, quick-revving nature and mid-range urgency, it’s not exactly the most tuneful of units. Think Pavarotti asthmatically sucking on an inhaler after running up the stairs rather then belting out some opera, and you get the idea. There’s some mechanical noise behind all the wheezing and gasping, but it’s a barely perceptible humdrum four-cylinder backing track than anything remotely tuneful or exotic.
Forget using the twin-clutch transmission for orchestrating greater aural thrills. The sole sensory output from the powertrain is its ability to push you deep into your seat rather than a rousing sports car blare. Smooth enough in automatic the 4C’s six-speed dual-clutch set-up is most authentic when it’s shifted by the paddle-shifters on the overly chunky, flat-bottomed wheel.
Do so and it selects its next ratio up quickly and is smooth on downshifts, too. That is unless you’re a little hasty with your upshift request, where rather than merely ignoring it the 4C chastises you with a needlessly loud beep. Like an electronic dog collar might silence a barking pup it’s hideously unpleasant, though undeniably effective, as you’ll do everything you can not to hear it again.
Shortage of the sort of rousing engine and exhaust note isn’t unusual in this class though, as few people ever got overly excited at the sound of an Elise. Where the Brit outshines the Italian though is dynamically, the 4C’s chief, and highly significant failing centres around its suspension set-up - and specifically its steering.
The unassisted steering delivers a level of feel that’s unparalleled in its busy nature, though not in a good way. Long before you’ve had the opportunity to push the engine and transmission to its limits you’ll be backing off, as the 4C becomes uncomfortably unruly on anything less than glass-smooth tarmac.
Any camber, bump, lump, change in surface or painted line presents the 4C driver with a challenge, the steering following, pulling and pitching the car all over the road as it seeks out and follows every tiny topographical detail of the surface. It’s needlessly, endlessly and sometimes frighteningly busy, the 4C constantly trying to move around. It requires real commitment to keep it on your side of - and on - the road.
It’s so unusually demanding that it’s rarely, if ever, fun. There’s the odd glimmer of some magic revealed if you ever find an approach to a corner that’s smooth enough to enter the bend with any real speed. Do so, load the front up and the 4C does turn with real conviction.
But come across any surprises mid-bend - an odd camber, drain cover or suchlike - and it will kick you off line and have you fitfully fighting the steering wheel again. It’s not a car you can ever, really never relax in. Don’t even attempt to change the radio station in it, or scratch an itch, as your hands are resolutely needed on the wheel at all times to keep it on the road. Flawed then, as many Alfas are, but to a level that makes it a difficult car to recommend, even to the die-hard Alfa fans.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1750 TBi | 42 mpg | 4.5 s | 157 g/km |
| 1750 TBi Spider | 41 mpg | 4.5 s | 161 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019)
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
99%
Real MPG
33–49 mpg
MPGs submitted
6
Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 110 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3989 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1183 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm |
It’s tight, dark and noisy in the cabin, but then the 4C is a carbon fibre constructed mid-engined, lightweight sports car so that’s sort of the whole idea. The leather-covered sports seats are both supportive and comfortable, their bolsters holding you tightly. Once you’ve clambered into those seats over the high sills, the driving position is good, the steering wheel adjustable for both reach and height.
There’s very little on the dashboard, the main controls centre around the steering wheel. It’s a chunky, if compact flat-bottomed item, the spokes which the paddles are mounted being rather too thick. All that means there’s very little actual rim to grasp around, leaving you clutching the wheel rather uncomfortably as it writhes and fights in your hands. The paddles are an easy reach, the instruments being digital items that are clear and bright.
There’s an aftermarket DIN slotted entertainment system in the dash to the left, angled towards the driver. It’s incomprehensibly complicated in its operation - to the point that in an entire week not once did we manage to find a radio station or pair a telephone - that exacerbated by the need to keep your hands on the 4C’s wheel at all times to keep it in line.
The only other switches are located around the centre, lower portion of the dash. There’s gear-switches allowing auto or manual choices, Reverse, Neutral and First, while Alfa’s usual DNA toggle allows you to change the power delivery between Dynamic, Natural and All-Weather. It’s best left in Natural. It all looks fine, if you like dark, plastics that lack tactility, though there are some lovely, if difficult to spot details like glimpses of the carbon-fibre trim and neat pedals.
There’s a boot behind the engine, but it's small, warm and needs two hands to open it and position the stick that keeps it open. Not entirely impractical then, and acceptable for a sports car where the expectation is you’ll be travelling light rather than doing tip any Ikea trips.
Alfa Romeo 4C (2014 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3989 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1183 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 895–940 kg |
| Boot Space | 110 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £52,005–£67,835 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | G |
| Official MPG | 40.9–41.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Coupe 1.8 TBi Alfa Tct 2dr | £52,835 | 41.5 mpg | 4.5 s |
| Coupe 1.8 TBi Alfa Tct Launch Edition 2dr | £52,005 | 41.5 mpg | 4.5 s |
| Roadster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.75 TBi Alfa Tct 2dr | £59,835 | 40.9 mpg | 4.5 s |
| 1.75 Turbo 240HP 50TH Tct 2dr | £67,835 | 40.9 mpg | 4.5 s |
Model History
- March 2011: Alfa 4C made its first appearance
- September 2013: Details announced with prices from £45,000
- May 2015: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider goes on sale
March 2011
Alfa 4C made its first appearance
Rear-engined, carbon fibre coupe originally slated to go on sale in limited numbers at about £40,000 during 2012.
Originally had a 250PS version of the 1,750cc Multi Air engine. Carbon fibre tub, like the McClaren MP4-12C keeps weight right down to about 850kg. Alfa says 0-62mph in under 5 seconds and restricted 155mph top speed. By January 2012, price was estimated at £38,000, engine to be 235PS turbocharged 1,750 Multi Air, weight 900kg, 0-62mph 4.3 seconds. 18,000 to be built. On sale from mid 2013.
September 2013
Details announced with prices from £45,000
Designed, engineered and built as a pure driving machine, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C is an uncompromised thoroughbred that marks the return to the world of lightweight sports coupe for the Alfa Romeo brand. Its natural beauty is defined by function; the need to wrap the engine and chassis in a compact, aerodynamically-efficient shape, making it a worthy descendent of one of the most beautiful coupes of all time: the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. 3,989mm long x 1,864mm wide x 1,183mm high.
Designed and engineered by Alfa Romeo and built at the Maserati plant in Modena, the mid-engined Alfa Romeo 4C employs the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo's newest models: The new, all-aluminium 1750 Turbo Petrol engine; the latest-generation ALFA TCT dry twin clutch semi-automatic transmission and the Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector - now with a new “Race” mode.
Power comes courtesy of a new four-cylinder turbo engine which, thanks to its aluminium block, is 22kg lighter than the engine that powers the Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf. Turbo-charged and with direct injection, this new1750 Turbo Petrol unit sets new torque and specific power records for this size of engine, at over 200Nm- and 137 bhp-per-litre respectively. Its maximum power output is 240 bhp at 6,000 rpm while its maximum torque output is 350Nm (258 lb ft.), available between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm. To underline the flexible nature of this new engine, 80% of its torque is available from just 1800 rpm.
Accelerating from 0-62 mph takes just 4.5 seconds in the new Alfa Romeo 4C and top speed is 160 mph, but this supercar performance isn’t at the expense of the environment. Due to its light weight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, the emissions of the Alfa Romeo 4C fall well within the strict limits of Euro 6. Its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 41.5 mpg and its CO2emissions are just 157g/km.
Being an Alfa Romeo, the driving experience is more than just raw statistics. The exhaust has been tuned to emit a full, rich sound and particular attention paid to the seat design so the movement and reactions of the car can be 'felt' properly. The unassisted steering is progressive, direct and engineered to convey as much feedback and feel as possible. The steering ratio (16:2) is such as to allow 90% of bends to be taken without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. Both brake and throttle response have also been tuned to match the dynamic nature of the Alfa Romeo 4C.
Inside the Alfa Romeo 4C, the exposed carbon-fibre chassis and driver-oriented controls leave you in no doubt as the purposeful nature of the car. In place of traditional dials, a multi-function TFT digital display occupies the instrument panel and the steering wheel is a bespoke, flat-bottomed, two-spoke item with integrated gear-shifter paddles. The remaining controls are grouped together on the tunnel console, including the button-operated ALFA TCT transmission selector and the Alfa D.N.A. system selector, which alters the operational parameters of the engine, transmission, ESC and Electronic Q2 differential depending on the driver’s requirements. Composite bucket seats and aluminium pedals complete the minimalistic, drive-focussed cabin.
The Alfa Romeo 4C offers high levels of customisation including six exterior body colours; three pastel (Black, White and Alfa Red), one metallic (Basalt Grey) and two three-layer metallics (Madreperla White and Competizione Red). There are four different coloured brake calipers available and well as four different upholstery options.
|
ENGINE |
|
|
Type |
1750 cc, aluminium, 4 cylinders, turbocharged tbtturbochargedturbocharged |
|
Position |
Central |
|
Orientation |
Transverse |
|
Displacement (cm³) |
1742 |
|
Maximum power bhp (kW-EC) at rpm |
240 (177) 6000 |
|
Maximum torque Nm at rpm |
350 between 2200 and 4250 |
|
DRIVING MODE SELECTOR |
|
|
Type |
Evolved Alfa D.N.A. |
|
Positions |
All Weather, Natural, Dynamic, Race |
|
Transmission |
|
|
Gearbox |
ALFA TCT with dual dry clutch, paddle controls and Launch Control |
|
Number of gears |
6 + R |
|
Drive |
Rear |
|
Differential |
Electronic Q2 |
|
CHASSIS |
|
|
Type |
Carbon fibre monocoque |
|
Front suspension |
Double wishbone |
|
Rear suspension |
Evolved MacPherson |
|
Front brakes (mm) |
Dual-cast, perforated, self-ventilated, 305x28 with Brembo fixed 4 piston calipers |
|
Rear brakes (mm) |
Perforated, self-ventilated 292x22 discs |
|
Standard front tyres |
205/45 R17 |
|
Standard rear tyres |
235/40 R18 |
|
STEERING |
|
|
Steering box |
Rack and pinion |
|
PERFORMANCE |
|
|
Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (secs) |
4.5 |
|
Braking distance 62 - 0 mph (m) |
36 |
|
Top speed (mph) |
160 |
|
Maximum deceleration when braking (g) |
1.25 |
|
Maximum lateral acceleration (g) |
1.1 |
|
CAPACITIES - WEIGHTS |
|
|
Unladen weight (kg) |
895 |
|
Fuel tank (litres) |
40 |
|
*CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS ACCORDING TO DIRECTIVE 1999/100/EC |
|
|
Urban cycle mpg (l/100km) |
28.8 (9.8) |
|
Extra-urban cycle mpg (l/100km) |
56.5 (5.0) |
|
Combined cycle mpg (l/100km) |
41.5 (6.8) |
|
CO 2 emissions (g/km) |
157 |
|
Environmental classification |
Euro 6 |
|
DIMENSIONS |
|
|
Number of seats |
2 |
|
Length (mm) |
3989 |
|
Width (mm) |
1864 |
|
Height (mm) |
1183 |
|
Wheelbase (mm) |
2380 |
|
Luggage compartment capacity (dm³) |
110
|
May 2015
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider goes on sale
Like the coupe, the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is built around a carbon fibre monocoque with minimal structural enhancements required in the transition from Coupe to Spider. The main developments include a new aluminium rollover structure, which is nestled underneath a black “halo”; a specially-developed carbon fibre windscreen frame and an engine compartment cross-member made from high-strength steel.
The Coupe’s fastback rear end is replaced by classic and distinctive Spider buttresses and a new engine cover which also features three heat extractors and a subtle rear spoiler. There are significant changes to the front, too, with new, covered, projector-style xenon headlamps as standard on the Spider (and optional on the Coupé).
Special attention has been paid to the aerodynamic characteristics of the Spider to ensure minimal wind and noise intrusion when the cloth roof is removed and stowed away, and for those owners who want to use their Spider all year round, a carbon fibre hardtop will be available as an optional accessory at a later date.
A new carbon-fibre air intake system, engineered to provide additional transmission cooling for track-focussed drivers, also joins the options list, while a number of all-new wheel designs debut on the 4C Spider too, either in 17/18-inch (front/rear) or 18/19-inch sizes in silver or dark finishes. The exterior features are rounded out with a vibrant new pastel Giallo Prototipo (yellow) paint option.
Inside, a new Alpine head unit and standard Alfa Hi Fi sound system offer improved audio quality, usability and device connectivity, and to further enhance the Spider’s cabin ambience, new options such as premium leather with accent stitching and matching door cards will be offered later in the year.
Powered by the same, all-aluminium, 240hp, 258lb.-ft., 1750 TBi engine as the Coupé, performance is on a par with the hardtop model, with a top speed of 160mph and a 0 to 60mph time of less than 4.5 seconds, as well as the capability to generate the same 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25g of braking deceleration as the Coupé.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is priced from £59,500 OTR with an enhanced standard specification in line with the revised Coupé, including the upgraded audio system; luxury floor mats; glove compartment with leather cover; bespoke car cover and car care kit - plus parking sensors and cruise control available as free options – in addition to its carbon fibre windscreen frame, new wheels and fared-in xenon headlamps, which are standard on the Spider.
What to watch out for
Report of Alfa Romeo 4C "Bought from South London dealer" requiring a complete rebuild of its carbon fibre chassis costing £1,000 at its 12 month service. (The question here is why? Had it been damaged. If not, the rebuild should have been FoC.) Now Alfa dealer is recommending a brake fluid change.
05-03-2018:Report of turbo of Alfa Romeo 4C failing at 14,000 miles at just over 3 years old. Alfa says owner must pay 50% of the cost. Probably from switching off the engine when the turbo was too hot. After track driving, motorway driving or a long ascent you need to idle the engine for a minute or two to keep oil circulating through the turbo bearing. If you don't, the oil in the turbo bearing oil supply and oil return pipes can carbonise, blocking the pipes and cutting off the oil supply to the turbo bearings.
