Roma Spider road test: The perfect first-time Ferrari?

Ferrari’s latest drop-top GT might be “achingly beautiful”, but Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if it’s got the substance to back up that style. Can the Roma Spider beat Bentley and Porsche at their own game?

“It a strong contender for best poster car ever”, argues Vicki. While that’s quite the claim, it’s fair to say the new Roma Spider is a feast for the eyes (and ears). Serving as Ferrari’s first front-engined soft-top since the 365 from 1969, it certainly needed to make a statement.  

And make a statement it does… From the sculpted shark nose to the seamless flanks and elegant rear, the Roma Spider manages to marry futuristic and old school with aplomb. As always with Ferrari, that beauty runs more than skin deep. The roof, for one, not only looks as sophisticated as a cashmere jumper, but its fabric has been specially woven to insulate the occupants from road noise and the UK’s inclement climate.  

Want to hear the roar of the twin-turbo V8 more clearly? Hit the drop-top button and in a matter of seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, you get the full auditory experience. According to Vicki, those are front row seats worth having. As she chases the redline and feels the full 620-bhp force of the sonorous eight pot, the DriverReviews host is understandably smitten.

Has chopping off the roof corrupted the Roma’s handling balance? Not a chance.  Thanks to the extensive use of strengthening beams the Roma Spider still drives like a true thoroughbred. And, while these rigidity-enhancing measures have added around 80kg to the kerbweight, you’re unlikely to notice (or care) as you smash through gears on the pin-sharp eight-speed DCT.  

Then, when you’re finished turning petrol into music, the Roma Spider plays the comfortable mile muncher just as effortlessly. Thanks to smoother gearbox tuning and the versatile Magneride adaptive suspension, the baby Ferrari GT can waft with the best of them. Moreover, this split personality is ultra-accessible due to a whole gamut of driving modes and safety nets to keep things on the straight and narrow.  

Ultimately, it’s this remarkable breadth of ability that leads Vicki to conclude that the Roma Spider might be the perfect gateway into Ferrari ownership. If you’re exceptionally well-heeled, that is: the range kicks off at £211,000. 

Other than the exorbitant asking price, is there anything which Vicki isn’t so keen on? Watch the full review for her final verdict.

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