Ferrari Roma Spider Review: Going Topless!

To be honest, the phrase ‘entry-level Ferrari’ seems a bit of an oxymoron, primarily, because Ferraris don’t really come cheap, and the term ‘entry-level’ suggests exactly the opposite. That said, for any brand, there must be a product that marks the entry point into that brand.  And if you want to step into the world of Ferraris, well, the Roma is your gateway. Now, the Roma that I drove in Dubai was the Spider, which is a tad rarer than the hardtop version and, perhaps, a bit more exotic too. But does the Roma have enough to be called a true Ferrari? And does it offer the thrills and excitement you expect from the Prancing Horse? Well, I spent a day behind its wheel to find out.

Ferrari Roma Spider Review: Unique Aesthetics

Over the past couple of decades, Ferrari’s design language has evolved to become edgier and futuristic, thanks to its cutting-edge work in aerodynamics. The Roma, however, takes a slightly old-school approach towards design. It embraces a softer design language, with a curvy profile, making it appear a little less aggressive than other Ferrari models. I suspect that this was an intentional move to ensure that it appeals to a wider audience, for not everyone seeks the intense aesthetics of a racetrack-inspired car. Yet, with its unique front grille and sharp features, the Roma still looks undeniably attractive. The Spider variant also features an interesting soft top finish, adding to its allure.

Inside, the Roma gets Ferrari’s signature dual-screen layout. The instrument cluster is a large high-resolution screen, with most of the controls placed on the steering wheel. The central screen takes care of HVAC functions and a few other controls. As I’ve said before, getting accustomed to the controls on the steering wheel takes a bit of time. Personally, I still find them somewhat fiddly and cumbersome.

Now, while most Roma buyers wouldn’t care about the space inside the car, I can’t help but mention that it’s strictly a two-seater vehicle because my middle-class sensibilities make it a factor for me. That said, the two seats are large and extremely comfortable, although the low ingress and egress might be an issue for some people. Also, with the top down, the boot space becomes very limited and not quite suitable for long journeys.

Also Read: Ferrari 12Cilindri Walkaround - Passion, Precision & a 830BHP Naturally-Aspirated V12 Supercar

Ferrari Roma Spider Review: Roaring V8

The real essence of a Ferrari lies in its engine, and the Roma is not an exception. It gets a gem of a unit. Featured in multiple Ferrari models in the past – including the Portofino M and GTC4 Lusso T – the F154 series of engines are an absolute riot. With twin turbochargers paired with a high-revving V8, the Roma packs a hefty punch with its 612bhp and 760Nm of torque. Let’s not forget the symphony produced by the V8, which makes blasting through gears on an empty stretch of the road a pure joy. While we couldn’t fully exploit this aspect of the Roma on Dubai’s highways, we did witness it surpass the 200km/h mark on some private roads in a flash – a testament to its blistering speed.

There are a few things about modern Ferraris that I find really impressive. Firstly, the seamless pairing of the fast-shifting gearboxes with the engines and the way they work brilliantly even left to their own devices. Secondly, I find it amazing how lag-free their turbocharged engines are – something which I experienced during my first drive of the Portofino back in 2018. Simply put, the engines deliver so much power so seamlessly that you’d never in a million years be able to guess the presence of a couple of turbochargers unless someone mentions it.

Also Read: Ferrari Purosangue Review - Prancing Off-Road

At the same time, compared to the Purosangue that I drove the day before, the Roma has a certain rawness. Its engine mapping is aggressive, and the exhaust note is a bit gruff, albeit quite musical. The steering has that distinctive sharpness typical of modern Ferraris. Pair this with a fairly compliant suspension, a comfortable ride, and the advantages of the convertible top, the Roma Spider seems to offer quite a compelling package. In fact, my first thought while driving the Roma was that Ferrari engineers seemed to have deliberately retained some rawness in the car to enhance its driving appeal.

Ferrari Roma Spider Review: Entry-level?

Although I mentioned earlier that the Roma Spider is one of the entry-level offerings in the Ferrari range, I must say that it doesn’t really feel so in real life. In terms of quality, fit and finish, and luxury – both inside and out – it’s absolutely top-notch. At the same time, you get that stonkingly powerful 3.9-litre V8 engine, which not only looks the part of a proper Ferrari but also sounds like one. And do I really have to mention its excellent performance? So, with all this in a car that looks as aesthetically brilliant as the Roma, there is no way you can go wrong with it. How can you? There is a Prancing Horse badge on the bonnet, after all! Entry level, you say? Sure, but I’d happily take one any day of the year.