a better buy)? I'm torn I really am. A small, fun car is what I need - up to £25000 - max.

After watching top gear, i'm verging towards the Alfa but all opinions and advice are greatly appreciated?

It's an Alfa, it WILL break down.
Alfa Romeos are all hype, the BMW is in a different league to either the Alfa or Audi.

The Alfa is a FAR better car than the ugly BMW or the Golf-in-a-posh-suit Audi. Breras are rare cars and as a result are holding their values well, unlike the more common BMW or Audi. Modern Alfas do not break down all the time or rust, indeed one friend of mine changed his awful dog of an A3 for an Alfa 147 and it hasn't given him a moment's bother in 120k miles, and my 156 has been faultless as well.
I'd recommend a modern Alfa to anyone, don't listen to the bar-room experts, talk to happy Alfa owners instead!