Past Master
Iconic Alfa Romeo Alfasud rides again
It’s a little-known fact that the Alfasud Ti came out in 1973, two years before the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Admittedly, the Alfasud wasn’t a hatchback until much later in its life so calling it a hot hatch is dubious, but we can at least say that the case for a performance family car was proven with this little Alfa Romeo.
Along with the arrival of a more practical rear boot opening, series III Alfasuds like the one tested here had broader, wrap-around bumpers and deeper light clusters to update the 1970s chrome styling to a more contemporary 1980s look. Later cars also got the 14in Speedline alloy wheels, which look amazing and certainly fill out the blistered arches better than the pressed steel versions.
Inside, typically Alfa-esque touches abound: the ‘Ti’ logo picked out in red stitching down the centre of the seat, for one thing. The Alfa’s seat is quite squidgy, meaning that you become part of the seat rather than being pinned in place by large side bolsters, as you would be in a Golf GTI. And, of course, you have to adopt an outstretched-arms driving position because of the typically Italian relationship between the pedals and steering wheel.
There are more quirks, too, such as the offset of those pedals. An Alfasud newcomer is likely to end up hitting the accelerator instead of the brake, at least to begin with.
Out on the road, there are some surprises, such as the fact that the brakes are very strong, a distinctly unexpected feature if you’re used to driving older cars. Likewise the steering, which gives great feel once the rack is loaded up in corners, and the suspension, which controls body roll remarkably well for a car of its time. The fluidity of the Alfasud’s handling allows you to build up a beautiful rhythm, largely thanks to one more surprise: beneath the surface, this is actually a very advanced little car.
Even though it was only supposed to be a family car, Alfa’s development team, under Austrian lead engineer Rudolf Hruska, threw everything but the kitchen sink at this car.
One example is the engine, which was a new flat four that brought two benefits. First, it kept the centre of gravity low; and second, the bonnet line could be reduced, so the driver got a great view out of the car.
By the time this Alfasud was made, the engine’s capacity had increased from 1.2 to 1.5 litres and the engine gained two Weber carburettors, so the power was a mighty 105bhp. Sure, that sounds weedy today, but the ’Sud barely weighs anything, so as soon as you ask for more acceleration, it takes off, just like any good hot hatch should. It’s accompanied by an addictive, raspy exhaust note that has you holding onto lower gears for longer and deliberately shifting for even the shallowest of corners, just to hear its charming tones.
I guess ‘charming’ would be the best way to sum up the Alfasud. It certainly has its flaws, and the biggest is rust (see What to look out for, above). Rust, of course, is one of the reasons so few survive, so if you can find any that are still on the road, drive one. Doing so is a rare privilege.
If you’re wondering about the first hot hatch, it’s the Autobianchi A112 Abarth, which is an even rarer sight on UK roads than the Alfasud.
As soon as you ask for more acceleration, it takes off, like any good hot hatch should