2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Review

Name: 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Review
Brand: Alfa Romeo

Price: $54,690

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Appraise My 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C

Alfa Romeo 4C model years

Alfa Romeo 4C for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Will Kaufman

Pros

Handling is razor-sharp
Featherweight chassis enables impressively quick acceleration
Fuel economy estimates are good and achievable in the real world
Sparse availability and limited appeal guarantee exclusivity

Cons

Ride is bone-crushingly harsh, notably with the Track package
Few interior creature comforts and almost no cargo and storage space
Rearward visibility is poor, and no rearview camera is available
Steering is high effort at low speeds

What’s new

For 2018, the 4C gets optional carbon-fiber exterior vents as well as yellow accent stitching to the interior. A new cosmetic package also debuts.

Vehicle overview

The 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C checks a lot of boxes on the exotic sports car wish list: It's from Italy, its engine is behind the seats, the chassis is a carbon-fiber monocoque, and the entire car weighs less than 2,500 pounds. The 4C also uses rack-and-pinion steering — with no power assist. That particular cutting-edge automotive technology showed up in, oh, the 1930s. But having it in a 2018 car when everything else has numb-feeling, electric-assist racks is almost a revelation.

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For sale near Dublin, OH

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New Listing
2018 Alfa Romeo 4C
Base Coupe
$54,690
- 25,406 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automated manual
- Toy Barn (1 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Upgraded Stereo
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Located in Dublin, OH
2018 Black Alfa Romeo 4C RWD 6-Speed Automatic 1.7L I4 SMPI Turbocharged DOHC 16V LEV II 237hpRecent Arrival!The Toy Barn, located in Dublin, Ohio, ex...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: ZARBAAA40JM261996
Stock: 29726
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-30-2025
Price Drop
2018 Alfa Romeo 4C
Spider Coupe
$58,997
- 34,373 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automated manual
- Golling Alfa Romeo (169 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Alarm
Close
Located in Birmingham, MI
Golling Alfa Romeo of Birmingham is pleased to offer this 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C in Basalt Gray Metallic with Black Leather. This 4C is very well equipp...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: ZARBAAB49JM268282
Stock: FP14329
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-04-2025

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In the 4C, manual steering both saves weight and provides greater feedback to the driver, and this car is all about lightness and feedback. The engine shouts right in your ear, the suspension communicates every minuscule imperfection in the road, and the minimally padded seats make sure you feel every vibration. This raw, unfiltered driving experience is both what makes the Alfa a unique standout among modern cars and what makes it an unlivable daily driver. The 4C is definitely a second — or maybe third — car.

For the money, there are plenty of engaging sports cars that are significantly easier to live with (you know, if you don't have a garage big enough for a small fleet). The Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Jaguar F-Type are all exceptional driver's cars. All have their strengths and weaknesses, but they're all more comfortable and more practical.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.0 / 10

Alfa Romeo's 4C mashes up high tech and low tech to create a unique, focused driver's car. In this case, "focused" is a generous way of saying that, as much as the 4C is a blast to drive under the right conditions, it's a pain to live with day to day.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (turbo 1.7L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | RWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.0 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	5.5
Interior	5.5
Utility	4.5
Technology	4.5

Driving

7.0

With its turbocharged mid-engine layout and high-effort controls, the 4C commands a driver's respect and delivers a high sensation of speed. When driven in its sweet spot, the 4C is rewarding and feels like a modern classic. But we'd pick something else if looking for a daily driver.

Acceleration

7.0

The 4C typically leaves the line cleanly and is followed by the sensation of a wave of power as the engine spins up and the boost builds. Launch control is effective, but acceleration to 60 mph proves relatively unimpressive for the class at 5 seconds and requires perfectly timed manual shifts.

Braking

7.0

The brakes require a lot of effort to work and are a hassle in everyday driving. But they have tip-of-the-toe control, thanks to a floor-pivot pedal, respond well to performance braking and deliver a ton of feedback. A stopping distance of 107 feet from 60 mph is great, but the experience is lively.

Steering

7.5

There is no power assist, and steering effort is extremely high from a stop but decreases with speed. Feedback is there in droves but so is bump steer, and the level of sensitivity is sometimes overwhelming. On-center feel is excellent, but there's a weird dead zone right off center.

Handling

7.0

Its lightweight, sticky tires and stiff suspension give drivers the ability to carry high cornering speeds, but its sensitivity to road bumps or grooves quickly sap confidence. The 4C changes direction as quickly as you can move the wheel and responds well to changes in throttle, but it's a handful.

Drivability

7.0

Normal mode produces fairly relaxed drivability, though the transmission will on occasion throw a languid shift, causing a lazy drive-off. Dynamic mode is where the fun is at, and it works decently for more spirited street driving. Paddle shifters are great for twisty roads.

Comfort

5.5

For track enthusiasts, the 4C is great: It has supportive leather bucket seats and air conditioning, which are luxuries for aficionados. But those who plan on street driving it more than occasionally will quickly grow weary of the stiff ride, loud cabin and uncompromising seats.

Seat comfort

6.0

The fixed-back seats have a fairly ergonomically friendly shape. The bolsters are deep and supportive at the thighs but widespread at the seatback. The thin padding transmits all manner of bumps and vibration directly onto your spine. During pure performance driving, though, the comfort issues seem to melt away.

Ride comfort

5.5

Stiffly sprung with aggressive damping, the 4C follows road contours and irregularities with laserlike precision. Rolling bumps are less of an issue, but the shock from hard-edge bumps, such as those from grates and potholes, are readily transmitted into the cabin.

Noise & vibration

3.0

The 4C is a very loud car. Levels of engine and wind noise are the biggest problem, followed by road noise, pebbles, rocks, and other debris bouncing off the bottom of the carbon tub and wheelwells. Forget conversation and consider ear plugs for longer drives. Engine and road vibrations are ever present.

Climate control

6.5

The single-zone, non-automatic air-conditioning system is pretty basic and has chunky knobs for ease of use. The fan motor is loud at its highest setting yet doesn't move a lot of air. It is sufficient enough to cool the tiny cabin, assuming the top is up.

Interior

5.5

The interior looks nice and minimalistic, but it lacks the friendlier ergonomics of other modern sports cars. Getting in and situated inside the cabin is akin to a warrior donning armor; it's rigid, claustrophobic and meant for business. If you're considering a 4C, it won't be for its touring comfort.

Ease of use

7.0

Transmission control buttons are unconventional (1 is for drive, A/M swaps from auto and manual shift), but the rest of the car is straightforward and all controls are close at hand. All switches are solid and well-labeled. But parts of the gauge cluster are covered by the wheel.

Getting in/getting out

4.0

A low seat height, small door opening (when the roof is on), pokey seat bolsters, and wide door sills mean getting in and out is no graceful feat. And caution must be exercised when opening the door: Its featherlight weight and lack of detents mean it can go flying open into things.

Driving position

6.0

The 4C's seating position is conducive for performance driving, but the fixed backs don't make for a comfortable cruising position. The seat can adjust fore/aft with a minimal amount of tilt, but there's no height adjustment. The steering column is also minimally adjustable for tilt and reach.

Roominess

5.0

Compared to other two-seaters in the class from mainstream makers, the 4C's cabin feels tiny. Hiproom and shoulder room are marginal for the average adult, while all other measurements feel claustrophobic. It looks larger from the outside.

Visibility

6.0

The 4C's visibility is compromised because you sit so deep in the car. The view directly rear is hampered by a high decklid and small rear window, and rear three-quarter views are nonexistent due to the roof's roll-hoop structure. Thank goodness for the rear parking sensors.

Quality

7.5

Some details lack finishing, such as the inside of the engine compartment and control stalks, but most of the other areas are well put-together. The materials are excellent in quality, with supple leather seats and steering wheel, real carbon-fiber accents, and red contrast stitching.

Utility

4.5

There shouldn't be any expectation of ample cargo volume, and the 4C delivers as expected. The small trunk is better than nothing. But the lid is heavy, and you need two hands to set it open. The compartment gets hot next to the engine. The inside isn't much better, with no real storage areas.

Small-item storage

4.0

There is virtually no interior space for items. Underneath the parking brake lever is a shallow tray about the size of an average wallet. Leather-wrapped nodes in between the seat and frame feature a single slit that's barely big enough for a plus-size phone. This is surprising, even for the class.

Cargo space

5.0

The rear trunk is small, just barely fitting one carry-on bag, and the manual prop rod makes for inconvenient loading. You wouldn't be able to store the top in there along with a carry-on bag, so topless road trips will be tricky. This is a small car, but you knew that already.

Child safety seat accommodation

There are no LATCH anchors, but there is a tether behind the passenger seat, near the floor. The tight door opening will make fitting a child seat extremely difficult.

Technology

4.5

This is one of the 4C's weakest links but also an easy fix. Dash real estate is limited, so a proper infotainment system was always going to be difficult to integrate. But there are better options in the aftermarket than what you get here from the Alfa factory.

Audio & navigation

4.0

The stereo is an off-the-shelf Alpine head unit. It's not intuitive, and frankly better aftermarket head units are available. Audio quality is subpar, but that's less of an issue considering how loud the cabin is. There is no navigation system.

Smartphone integration

5.0

We found Bluetooth pairing to be hit or miss, even when we followed directions. When it works, the system is satisfactory, though it's hard to hear over the interior noise. The USB cord is located in a pouch at the bottom of the passenger-side dash, which is a ridiculous solution in this day and age.

Compare 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Alfa Romeo 4C models

The 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C should only be considered by buyers willing to live with the inherent day-to-day difficulties of driving a seriously hardcore mid-engine sports car. Its no-frills attitude is reflected in its skimpy list of standard and optional features. After all, more features make for a heavier car, and the 4C is all about keeping the weight down. If you should want a few extras, the Convenience package adds a few luxury elements, the Track package includes performance upgrades, and the Carbon Fiber Interior Trim package is self-explanatory.

The 4C is powered by a turbocharged 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine (237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. Standard equipment for the coupe includes a 17-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheels, summer performance tires, LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, air conditioning, power accessories, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 7-inch driver information display, Bluetooth connectivity, and an Alpine sound system with a CD player, a USB port and satellite and HD radio. The 4C convertible also has a manually operated soft top, leather seats and an alarm system.

The leather seats are optional on the coupe, and leather seats with faux suede upholstery are available on both body styles. An optional Convenience package adds rear parking sensors, cruise control and, for the coupe, an alarm system. The Track package includes a more stiffly tuned suspension, available 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel and additional carbon-fiber exterior trim. Additional carbon-fiber styling elements are included with the Carbon Fiber Interior Trim package. Notable stand-alone options include xenon headlights, a subwoofer, a carbon-fiber roof, a sport exhaust and an Akrapovič dual-mode exhaust.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$173/mo

$160/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Alfa Romeo 4C Owner Reviews

4.9

11 reviews

5(91%)

4(9%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A true exotic that you need to drive to believe

bruinnut, 01/20/2016

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

This car is not for everyone. It is not for those who want to drive a ubiquitous people mover from point A to point B. It is not for those who want to be in a cocoon separated from the road and without feel for the spirit of enjoyment on the road. But if you want a car that inspires, that will keep a smile on your face, that allows you to understand the relationship between road and … machine in the most intimate and spirited detail, then the Alfa Romeo 4C is the only car south of $300k that will punch your ticket. The 4C is beautiful and masterful inside and out. The cockpit is made entirely of carbon fiber. The panels are made of high strength and lightweight sheet moulding compound. The engine is a highly tuned turbocharged 4 cylinder mid-mounted masterpiece, that delivers a cacophony of sounds that will let the driver know exactly how much fun it is having. The gearbox is a choice of paddle shifters or automatic, with a driver-selected all weather, normal, dynamic, or race mode. The cockpit is made for the driver. The controls are tilted to the left; the steering wheel is not a joystick with volume controls, bluetooth buttons, navigation, or cruise control. It is made to steer and to allow you to easily shift gears. The seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive. If you want a bunch of buttons to move it up and down, inflate a back bolster, or cradle you with cushions, circulating air, and heat, look elsewhere. If you want simple and comfortable functionality, then this seat is perfect. When on a drive, please plan extra time for taking the long way home, to the office, to the gas station, or anywhere else. You'll want to take that extra turn to stay behind the wheel. And when you park it or stop to get gas or groceries, get ready for folks you don't know to spill out and engage you in conversation as they daydream about driving your car. Yes, it is that amazing. Update after 9 months of ownership: The 4C still puts a smile on my face every time I start it up. I've taken some day-long trips and the supercar has performed flawlessly. So far, there have been no technical or mechanical issues with the vehicle. The 4C is a rare vehicle and will certainly continue to turn heads for years to come, both for its sheer beauty and design, but also because it will prove to be a timeless sportscar. By the way, the 4C won't be around for ever. If you want to experience a true supercar at a BMW coupe price, now's the time.

If you like 80's exotics, this car is for you.

bob, 03/18/2016

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

It's been said before -- this car is not for everyone. But, if you love driving a light, tight, awesome looking, sensory overkill fast sports car, this is your vehicle. The 4c is unlike anything else on the road today -- and thank heavens for it. Now, if you want comfort, quiet, listening to your tunes while drinking a latte, and wanting to be unseen when puttering around town, then … this is not your car. Enjoy your Lexus. Pros: Just a blast to drive. Its "honest" which in itself is unique today. Nothing is covered up or added simply to fool anyone. It's the real deal, not fake. It's exciting, refreshing and unlike any other car made today. It's obviously hand built and fit and finish is better than most exotics. The beautiful carbon fibre interior will make your eyes water every time you look inside. The noise from the turbo charger waste gates will make you laugh out loud. It sounds a like 80's rally cars and seems to go like one as well. Performance is more than fine for city streets. You can floor it and run it through the gears without being tossed in jail. The F1 style gearbox works remarkably well -- better than a Ferrari F430. What's also surprised me is how reliable it has been. In a year of ownership, not one thing has gone wrong. To say I was expecting something different is an understatement. And the car is just beautiful, along with being completely unique. If you want people to look at you, buy this car. Between the noise and the looks you'll be a rock star on the boulevard. Service is also very reasonable. Yearly service on the car is only $240. Try that in a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Cons: Ok, it's noisy, And the wide body and doors do make it difficult to park in a normal parking space. And it's a pain to get in and out of. And it's a bit difficult to see out the back of. And the trunk is ridiculously small. And the trunk latch is in a silly place. And the seats are tight. And the seats don't move a lot. And the seat belt warning buzzer is annoying. And it has no GPS. And the seat belts rub against your neck. And there's no glove box. And there's these silly wires coming out from under the dash to charge your phone. And the cup holders don't hold larger drinks. And it has some turbo lag. And if you want to put things in the trunk, you have to put them on the ground first because you need both hands to open and latch the rear lid. And it has no power steering so parking can require some actual muscle use. And if you're over 6 foot 3 you're going to say it's too small. And if you're too wide the seats are going to be uncomfortable. And it doesn't come with a manual gearbox. And there's no climate control. And the Parrot radio is a complete joke. So if the Cons have turned you off by now, then you know this car is not for you. But if you love the idea of driving an 80's exotic with all of it's drama, feel, personality and looks BUT with AC and brakes that actually work in a car that doesn't fall apart before your eyes and is reasonably affordable to own, then this car is for you. I personally love it. You can thrash it unlike you can other more expensive sports cars and it only costs about the same as the 10,000 Corvette C7's you see everyday. Thank heavens for Alfa Romeo. Someone was nutty enough to make a car a real drivers car today that doesn't seem like every other car you drive. I don't think we will ever see anything like it again that us normal folk can afford. Its a modern classic with a classic personality. Now, how cool is that?

Most fun car I have ever owned

4C4ME, 03/16/2016

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

If you love to drive - this is your car. It is fast, corners well, creates conversations and makes you smile! I have never enjoyed driving so much. Until I owned this car I was never a "car guy". Now I am. Best decision I ever made. This is a true sports car, not a GTO, not a family car. It is uncompromising and unapologetic. The best comment I ever heard that perfectly …

Alfa Lovers Only

Phil Berry, 04/16/2016

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C 2dr Coupe (1.7L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)

I have owned 11 Alfas in my life. This is the best one ever. Mid engine, 4 seconds 0-60, maximum 160 MPH, and 43 MPG. A PURE Sports Car. If you have never owned one, you don't know what you are missing. Not for everyone, for sure, but those of you who have ever driven and Alfa or owned one will love this car.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C, so we've included reviews for other years of the 4C since its last redesign.

See all 11 reviews of the Alfa Romeo 4C

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2018 4C Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$55,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$173/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	3.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the 4C models:

Rear Parking Assist System: Helps the 4C park by sounding an alert if an object is detected close to the rear bumper.
Bi-Xenon Headlamps: Illuminate more of the road ahead than the standard halogen headlights.
Hill Start Assist: Prevents the 4C from rolling backward on a hill from a stop when the driver releases the brake and presses the accelerator.

2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Dublin, OH

2018 Alfa Romeo 4CBase Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 Alfa Romeo 4CSpider Coupe

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Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Which 4C does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Alfa Romeo 4C models

Cost to Drive

Alfa Romeo 4C Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A true exotic that you need to drive to believe

If you like 80's exotics, this car is for you.

Most fun car I have ever owned

Alfa Lovers Only

2018 4C Highlights

Safety

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2018 Alfa Romeo 4C
Base Coupe

2018 Alfa Romeo 4C
Spider Coupe