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Alfa Romeo 156

The 156's an attractive package and a tribute to Alfa's design and production team

April 2002

Few family cars are as good-looking as the Alfa Romeo 156, which shocked buyers when it first appeared by proving that not only could Alfa design attractive cars, it could build them quite well, too.
There have been one or two reliability issues and the trim quality has always been questionable, but the 156 is light years ahead of earlier Alfas and even older examples are still looking fresh.
It might not give the same satisfaction as compact executive rivals from BMW and Mercedes, but the 156 is a genuinely good driver's car. The fact that it still seems clean and modern is testament to the original design.
156 checklist
* Alfa moved on considerably when it produced the 156, but there are still a few reliability issues to consider.
*Check interiors carefully, because trim panels can come loose, especially those around the lower dashboard.
* The Italian company is still haunted by electrical problems, which haven't been completely banished from its range. Inspect the ventilation and audio systems thoroughly, as these are the most likely areas for faults.
* Many 156s have clocked up huge mileages. The engines are generally reliable, but vet the suspension, steering and tyres for undue wear.
Glass's Guide view
The trade 'bible' rates the 156 a quirky alternative to more mundane saloons, retaining its value better than previous Alfas. Diesels sell well, unlike the thirsty V6s.
My Alfa 156...
Auto Express reader Rob Glover bought his 156 1.6 in July 2000 and was attracted by its competitive price and stylish looks. "I wasn't really intending to buy a saloon car," he explained. "But because the 156 is so good to look at, I didn't really mind.
"I even found the extra practicality a bonus, especially as my last car was a Hyundai Coupί¿½." Rob, a 27-year-old engineer from Peterborough, Cambs, has had no real problems during the 16,000 miles he's driven in the Alfa, but early glitches included a sticking boot release latch. He says he'd buy another 156, but is planning on a Skoda Octavia RS as the Italian's replacement.

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For the best mix of driver pleasure and sensible running costs, it has to be the 2.0 Twin Spark. Perhaps the 2.5 V6 is more fun, but it likes a drink and is costly to insure. JTD models are a sensible choice, even though they do tend to lack some of the Alfa spirit. Do not ignore the smaller engined versions, either, as even the 1.6 is a lively performer.

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VERDICT

    For the best mix of driver pleasure and sensible running costs, it has to be the 2.0 Twin Spark. Perhaps the 2.5 V6 is more fun, but it likes a drink and is costly to insure. JTD models are a sensible choice, even though they do tend to lack some of the Alfa spirit. Do not ignore the smaller engined versions, either, as even the 1.6 is a lively performer.
 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:3
Running costs (ppm):55-78p
Insurance groups:11-16

HISTORY

    1997: 156 launched in the UK with 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder Twin Spark engines, a 2.5 V6 and 2.4 JTD diesel. Semi-automatic Selespeed option on 2.0 and V6.1999: Minor revisions of trim and interior. Lusso (luxury) and Veloce (lowered suspension, firmer ride) packs offered on all models. 2000: Entry-level 1.6 120bhp model introduced at �13,800. The Sportwagon estate arrives.
    2002: Hot GTA versions appear with 3.2 V6 unit. 2.0 Twin Spark model replaced by 2.0 JTS.
 
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