Italian automakers are renowned for producing some of the most desirable cars in the world, from high-performance brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani to more affordable manufacturers like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia.
While many car enthusiasts dream of owning a Ferrari or Maserati, these vehicles are often impractical for daily use due to their high costs, limited comfort, and demanding maintenance. However, Italian carmakers have also developed exciting and fun-to-drive models that cater to everyday drivers, blending performance with practicality.
Alfa Romeo, for instance, integrated its legendary Busso V6 engine into smaller sedans and hatchbacks, making them both thrilling and usable. Fiat has a history of producing affordable yet enjoyable cars, such as the Panda 100HP, a sporty sub-compact designed to rival French hot hatches.
Lancia, another standout brand, created the Delta, a mid-size hatchback with the HF Integrale variant built for rally homologation, combining everyday usability with high-performance capability.
While Italian supercars steal the spotlight, many automakers from the country have also delivered highly desirable everyday cars that enthusiasts can enjoy on a regular basis.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde: A Super Sedan for Everyday Use
The Alfa Romeo Giulia returned in 2016, offering a perfect balance of performance and practicality. Competing with the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it quickly gained a reputation for its stylish design and thrilling driving experience.
While base models featured efficient engines like the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.2-liter diesel variant in Europe, the top-tier Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) stood out with its incredible power and performance.
Under the hood, the Giulia QV packs a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, derived from Ferrari’s V8 engines but with two cylinders removed. This powerhouse delivers an exhilarating drive, capable of handling both high-speed track days and the daily commute.
Despite its aggressive performance, it remains comfortable and refined, making it one of the most desirable Italian sedans for enthusiasts who want both excitement and usability.
2. Maserati Quattroporte V Automatica: Luxury and Performance Combined
Maserati’s Quattroporte has long been the brand’s go-to luxury sedan, and the fifth-generation model (Quattroporte V) is considered one of the best. It initially came equipped with a Ferrari-Maserati V8 and a Duo-Select automated manual transmission, but the introduction of the Automatica variant made it a more practical daily driver.
The switch to a conventional ZF torque-converter automatic transmission significantly improved drivability, making it smoother for everyday use.
With a perfect blend of luxury, high-performance engineering, and elegant styling, the Quattroporte V Automatica remains one of the most desirable sports sedans from Italy, offering both power and comfort in a single package.
3. Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolutione: A Rally Legend for the Streets
The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolutione was the pinnacle of the Delta lineup, becoming an iconic hot hatch and a sought-after collectible. Featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, it produced 207 hp in its initial form, with the Evolutione II increasing output to 217 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque.
This performance was complemented by an all-wheel-drive system and a five-speed manual transmission, allowing it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds—impressive for a 1990s hatchback.
Though Lancia no longer produces the Delta HF, various companies continue restoring and modifying these legendary cars, keeping their legacy alive.
4. Alfa Romeo 156 GTA: Classic Italian Sports Sedan
The Alfa Romeo 156 was designed to compete with German sports sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. While most variants featured four-cylinder engines, the 156 GTA stood out with its glorious 3.2-liter Busso V6, a direct nod to Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage.
Producing 250 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, the 156 GTA delivered thrilling front-wheel-drive performance via a six-speed manual transmission.
Inspired by the original GTA models of the 1960s, it was lighter, more agile, and focused on providing a pure driving experience. Despite being front-wheel drive, its engaging handling and sonorous engine note made it a favorite among enthusiasts.
5. Alfa Romeo 147 GTA: Hot Hatch with a Roaring Heart
Sharing its platform with the 156, the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA brought high-performance thrills to the hot hatch segment. The 147 GTA featured the same 3.2-liter Busso V6 as its sedan sibling, producing 250 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
While some critics noted a lack of steering feel, the 147 GTA was praised for its exhilarating engine and overall driving dynamics. Its compact size and powerful motor made it an exciting choice for urban driving, blending everyday usability with Italian flair.
Also Read: 10 Best European Sports Cars That Rival High Performance Supercars
6. Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 Q4: A Balanced Sports Sedan
Replacing the 156, the Alfa Romeo 159 built upon its predecessor’s strengths with improved refinement and a more modern design. The range-topping 3.2 Q4 model featured the same Busso V6 but was tweaked to deliver 256 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the front-wheel-drive 156 GTA, the 159 3.2 Q4 was available with all-wheel drive, improving traction and stability. This, combined with the option of a six-speed manual or an automated manual gearbox, made it an excellent choice for drivers looking for a stylish and capable sports sedan.
7. Fiat 500 Abarth: The Perfect City Hot Hatch
Reviving the classic 500 nameplate, Fiat introduced a new generation of the beloved city car in the late 2000s. The high-performance Abarth version took the small and stylish 500 to the next level, featuring a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine.
Despite its front-wheel-drive setup, the 500 Abarth delivered an exhilarating driving experience with a sportier transmission and an aggressive exhaust note. It was quick enough to rival larger hot hatches and even outperformed cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 124 Spider in straight-line speed, proving that big performance can come in small packages.
8. Fiat Dino Coupe: An Affordable Ferrari Connection
The Fiat Dino Coupe was a stylish grand tourer with a direct link to Ferrari. Built between 1966 and 1973, it featured a 2.0-liter V6 engine, later upgraded to a 2.4-liter version, designed by Enzo Ferrari’s late son, Dino.
With power outputs ranging from 158 hp to 178 hp, the Dino Coupe provided a thrilling driving experience, aided by its Bertone-designed body and a dog-leg gearbox. This made it one of the most accessible Ferrari-powered cars, offering a balance of grand touring luxury and sporty performance.
9. Fiat Panda 100HP: The Ultimate Fun Hatchback
The Fiat Panda has long been a practical and affordable car, but the 100HP variant transformed it into an unexpected pocket rocket. Featuring a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter inline-four producing 100 hp, the Panda 100HP had a revised suspension, a lowered stance, and a six-speed manual transmission for enhanced driving pleasure.
While it wasn’t the fastest hot hatch on the market, its lightweight design and nimble handling made it an absolute blast to drive. Offering practicality, affordability, and fun, the Panda 100HP became an ideal choice for city driving and weekend thrills.
10. Ferrari Roma: A Grand Touring Masterpiece
One of Ferrari’s most recent models, the Roma, redefines everyday usability for a supercar. Designed as a grand tourer, the Roma combines breathtaking styling with a powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a perfect balance between performance and comfort.
Unlike hardcore Ferrari models, the Roma is more refined and compliant, making it well-suited for long-distance drives and daily commutes. It retains the exhilarating speed and handling expected from a Ferrari while offering a more relaxed experience, proving that supercars can also be practical for everyday use.
Italian automakers are often celebrated for their exotic supercars, but they have also created many incredible daily drivers. From high-performance sedans like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Maserati Quattroporte to hot hatches like the Fiat Panda 100HP and 500 Abarth, these vehicles blend passion, style, and usability.
Even legendary brands like Ferrari have adapted to this trend with models like the Roma, proving that exhilarating performance can go hand in hand with everyday practicality.
Also Read: 10 Cars With the Most Reliable Manual Transmissions Ever Built
