Bye bye Brera

A little more than seven months after saying it wouldn't happen, Alfa Romeo in Australia has found a way of making its Brera coupe available with the super-efficient, all-new 1750 TBi four-cylinder engine.

Only problem is, there won't be many, and it won't be for long. According to the Australian importer, the elegant two-door is in its final few months in Australia and the 1750 TBi engine – which also features in the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV model - will only be available in limited numbers.

Interestingly, the 1750 TBi Brera will sell for exactly the same price as its 2.2-litre four-cylinder predecessor - $64,990 before delivery costs and statutory charges. Alfa Romeo importer Ateco Automotive importer had previously said the cost of bringing the technology to Australia would be prohibitive, mainly because the federal government offers no CO2 rebate system, as applied in many European companies, to help offset the cost to customers of the more expensive technology.

The all-new, 1.8-litre Euro 5 compliant TBi engine uses direct fuel injection, dual valve timing and turbocharging to produce 147kW at 5000rpm and 320Nm at 1400rpm. It is faster, more economical and cleaner than the previous four-cylinder engine, accelerating the Brera to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds (previously 8.6 seconds) and retuning an average 8.1L/100km (previously 9.4L/100km). CO2 emissions are 189g/km (previously 221g/km).

The Brera will also live out its final days with the 191kW/322Nm 3.2-litre V6 engine driving all four wheels as the alternative driveline choice. The price of the V6 drops, too, from $90,990 to $79,990 even though it “benefits from changes for its final model year.”

Brera sales in Australia have dwindled to a mere handful, with just 22 sold in 2010, 32 in 2009 and 61 in 2008. Brera's best year was in 2007, when 217 were sold.

The Brera follows the Spider convertible (also available with the 1750 TBi engine) into its swansong year. If you're a fan of the great-looking, Giugiaro-designed coupe, now is your last chance . . .

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