Alfa Romeo 156 Saloon 1997-2002

The Alfa 156 (97-06) Saloon and Sportwagon is the ideal car for those drivers and enthusiasts who are looking for a sensible car with exciting features. The sportswagon estate has attractive looks and features that are sure to impress the enthusiasts. The range of engines in the Alfa 156 is substantial, and it is this that makes it unique from other vehicles in its class. The large range of engines together with its sleek looks is more than capable of make it"s owners happy. For drivers it is certainly an exciting car with sharp handling, stunning looks and being reasonably economical.

Pros and Cons:

• Fantastic range of engines
  Sharp handling
  Attractive looks and a sleek design
  Comfortable cabin space for passengers

• Mediocre luggage space
  Difficulty in loading luggage due to the boot opening being too narrow
  Concerns about the reliability of the car

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Exterior and Interior

The Alfa 156 Saloon and Sportwagon are superior in body shape and design than any of its predecessors. The rear seats in most models do fold down giving a greater boot space, however the suspension does take up more than its fair share of space in the boot. In spite of that, there is ample room in the front of the car giving a comfortable space for both the driver and the front passenger. Other features include inbuilt climate control, airbags in the front and rear, electrical windows, and a leather trimmed steering wheel.

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Engines

The engines of the Alfa 156 include a 1.8 and 1.6-litre, both of which return an average of 33 miles per gallon (mpg) and fall into insurance categories 13 and 11 respectively. A 2.4-litre diesel engine is also an available option which delivers just over 40mpg. However, the 1.8 liter petrol engine is thirstier in comparison to a 2.0-litre petrol; it is also ranked higher by insurance companies.

The 1.8-litre petrol engine is a much better choice than the 1.6-litre engine as it generates a sporty environment within the car which many enthusiasts have come to expect from Alfas. There is also the option of choosing a 2.0 JTS direct-injection engine at a reasonable price which gives that extra punch to the sports version of the car.

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Performance and Economy

The Alfa 156 was made to be sporty and with great looks, sharp handling, an engine that performs crisply and an exhaust that has a suitably sporty note, it certainly manages to pull it off. With the top of the range 3.2-litre GTA giving out 247bhp, a top speed of 155mph and lowered and stiffened suspension it is as sporty as they come. There is also the option of a diesel engine ranging from the 1.9-litre JTD to the 2.4-litre JTDm, all of which are hugely economical giving between 40 and 45mpg.

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What it's like to Drive

This is a great car to drive and you realise that as soon as you leave the vehicle because you want to get straight back in it! Alfa got the styling just right and the car is a joy to drive. The engines feel like they want to just keep going and going and the only thing that might hold you back from doing so, is the level of fuel economy. As long as you are not too worried about a few of the impracticalities such as luggage space, then you will enjoy this vehicle.

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Faults and Repairs

In multiple surveys conducted to find out what the customers had to say about the Alfa156 the model received poor reactions and reviews about the number of faults and the high repair costs. The main problems being the suspension and axle closely followed by the electrics, engine, cheap quality of materials used and the services by the dealers.

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