What’s hot?
- The most striking thing about the 4C is obviously the way it looks. It has utterly gorgeous compact proportions and curvaceous lines – almost every person that saw it parked up came over to ask what it was.
- The 237bhp engine boasts absolutely frantic performance – as the turbo kicks in you find yourself holding on to wheel as you’re launched up the road at a rate that most people will find a little uncomfortable.
As a practical proposition the 4C leaves a little to be desired – seats look cool though, and you can see the carbon fibre ‘tub’ in the door sills - And with the optional sports exhaust fitted to our car you get a real rally-inspired noise.
- The low kerbweight helps the 4C feel really light on its feet. There’s barely any body roll and there’s plenty of grip. Find a twisty B-road and you’re guaranteed to have a big smile on your face.
- That relatively small engine helps ensure running costs are actually pretty reasonable. Official fuel economy is 41.5mpg and CO2 emissions are 157g/km.
- As standard, the 4C comes with a dual-clutch gearbox, and it’s just as adept at making razor sharp changes as it is cruising around town.
What’s not?
- You can easily live with a Porsche Cayman every day but we wouldn’t recommend living with the 4C. Engine, wind and road noise are unbearable on the motorway and the ride is a bit too stiff.
- The steering is unassisted, which is great for making it feel natural, but on a bumpy piece of road you have to hold on to it so tightly that your hands begin to ache.
- For a car that’ll set you back about £50,000, you’ll be disappointed by the interior – there are a few hard plastics and flimsy switches. We do love the fact you can see the exposed carbon tub in the door sills, though.
- In terms of practicality, there pretty much isn’t any. You can’t see over your shoulder, you can’t really see out the back window and there isn’t really anywhere to put your bags.
