2020 Alfa Romeo 4C

Overview

Every day can be a track day and every commute can be a soul-stirring drive when you're behind the wheel of a 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. This pocket-rocket convertible provides sharp handling, gut-punch acceleration, and a sassy exhaust note. As a bonus, it looks so striking it turns heads in any color. But, it also requires compromise. The interior is poorly outfitted and cramped, there's almost zero room for cargo, and you can forget about fancy infotainment features and driver-assistance tech. The 4C is a focused sports car with the heart of an Italian thoroughbred—no more, no less.

What's New for 2020?

The 4C soldiers on with minimal changes for 2020, albeit only as the convertible Spider model; the 4C coupe has been discontinued. A new 4C Spider Italia model is now available and features glossy black trim on the front and rear bumpers, 4C Spider Italia exterior graphics, Misano Blue Metallic paint, an aluminum dashboard trim piece with the 4C Spider Italia logo, and a number plate on the center console denoting its specialness. A limited run of special edition 4C Spider 33 Stradale models is also available and comes only in Rosso Villa d’Este paint over gray-gold painted wheels and a two tone black-and-tan interior. The 2020 model year will be the 4C's last, so scoop one up before they're sold out.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Powered by a 237-hp turbo four and weighing about 2500 pounds, its zippy power-to-weight ratio matches its zippy steering ratio; sadly, only a six-speed automatic is available. The 4C practically anticipates road challenges, and its suspension is perfectly tuned for carving up a twisty back road or attacking apexes on a track. The trade-off for its natural athleticism is a truly punishing ride over all but the smoothest road surfaces. It's quick, too: At our test track, the 4C Spider sprinted to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

View Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

For a sports car with this level of performance potential, the 4C also provides decent fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the 4C Spider will deliver 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. That's not too far off from the Mazda MX-5 Miata and it's better than the Porsche 718 Boxster.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 4C's cabin is a throwback to simpler times before distractions such as infotainment screens and Bluetooth audio players were commonplace. It's all quite romantic in a vintage roadster sort of way. Once settled into the driver's seat, the intimate cabin seems to wrap around you with all controls within easy reach. Don't plan on a grocery run in the 4C, either, as the cargo space available is barely enough for a back pack. The Boxster is a far more civilized option, but what the Alfa lacks in sophistication it makes up for with uniqueness and flair.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

The basic audio system is just that: basic. But it's no matter, because you likely won't be able to hear it anyway; the 4C is loud inside all the time. We'd suggest the upgraded Alpine audio system. Its head unit looks as if it were picked up at the Best Buy clearance sale, but it comes with better speakers and a subwoofer. If you're looking for other infotainment features, you won't find any. Need directions? Break out a map or your smartphone. SiriusXM satelite radio? Forget about it. On-board Wi-fi? Nope.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) haven't crash tested a 4C, and they probably won't. It's rare for low-volume sports cars to undergo such testing. You won't find many driver-assistance features, either—rear parking sensors and a backup camera are the only ones on the list. Key safety features include:

• Available rear parking sensors

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Alfa Romeo's standard warranty coverage matches Porsche's with bumper-to-bumper and powertrain policies both stretching four years or 50,000 miles. Alfa also covers maintenance for the first year of ownership.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 years or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs