Ferrari 458 Italia 2dr Car Review - April 2012

The 458 Italia is one of the most advanced cars that has ever been built, and the sheer amount of work that has gone into every aspect shows in the driving experience. The handling of the car is crisp and delivers an immediate response to every turn of the wheel, and the grip offered even when cornering at speed is truly superb, giving even average drivers plenty of thrills. The ride on the car is fairly firm, but not as rough and bumpy as you might imagine for a car of this power and pace. The low driving position is typical of sports cars such as this, and while forward visibility is fine, the visibility at junctions is poor, and the number of controls on the steering wheel can be confusing.

The engine performance delivered by the 4.5 litre v8 engine is very good indeed, with the acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in only 3.4 seconds. The top speed of 202mph is also excellent although most people will have to take the car to a race track in order to get anywhere near enjoying that kind of speed. Wind noise is well contained but there is a fair amount of road noise at speed, but the wonderful engine note rises pleasingly along with the rev counter, and shouldn’t be dismissed as noise.

The 458 Italia is one of the most beautiful cars available, with sleek styling and a number of air intakes and vents that really suggest this is a car that can go at great speed. The back end is also very stylised, and the large exhaust at the centre of the car really is a very nice touch, adding to the race car style. Inside the cabin is classy and sporty, and oozes quality.

Alloy wheels and leather seats are included as standard with the 458 Italia, and climate control also helps to ensure that the cabin stays comfortable. The CD stereo is as close to luxury as a race car like this will really come, but many people will look to the list of desirable optional extras.

The 458 Italia isn’t really a car that has been designed with practicality in mind, with only two seats. The rear mounted engine means that storage is at the front of the car, and the small compartment doesn’t provide a lot of space for luggage. One plus point with the 458 Italia is that it does have good reliability, with the unreliable Italian cars of the past quickly becoming a memory.

The car is also a very safe car, with some of the best driver aids in the world helping to channel the power and pace delivered by the engine. There are also airbags included that will help to look after driver and passenger in the unlikely situation of a collision.

There is no doubt that with a price tag of £178,461, the Ferrari is a car for wealthy people, but it has so much on offer to justify the high price tag, and the Ferrari badge is associated with some of the most advanced engineering in the world.

Running costs for the car aren’t particularly cheap either, with the thirsty 4.5 litre engine only able to deliver an average 20.6mpg. Insurance costs are sky high, but one big plus point for the Ferrari is that it can boast unrivalled resale values because of the desirability of the car. It is also supplied with a four year warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.