Alfa Romeo 156

Alfa Romeo 156 at a glance

The 156 was first shown at the 1997 Frankfurt motor show as the replacement for the 155. It was built at the Fiat group's Pomigliano d'Arco plant in southern Italy, and from March 2002 also at a General Motors plant in Rayong, Thailand, mainly for Asia-Pacific markets. The saloon was joined by the Sportwagon estate at the Geneva motor show in 2000. The car was updated in 2002, mostly inside, and then in late 2003, when Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign redrew the front and rear. In 2004 Alfa Romeo added the raised, all-wheel-drive 156 Crosswagon Q4, the last version to remain in production until 2007. More of the brand's range is in our Alfa Romeo catalogue, and its background is covered in the history of Alfa Romeo.

Design

Even by today's standards, the 156 looks good. Several design houses — Pininfarina, Bertone and Italdesign — were involved in proposals, but the final shape was the work of Walter de Silva, then head of Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile. The bonnet carries two strong creases that run down into the grille, which keeps the brand's traditional chrome shield. Small air intakes sit near the halogen headlights and in the front bumper, which also holds round fog lights. The drag coefficient is a good 0.31.

The side view features slightly flared wheel arches, subtle creases and oval door mirrors. The most famous detail is the rear door handle hidden in the window frame, which makes the saloon look like a coupé from some angles — a trick that many other makers later copied. Wheels range from 15 inches to 17 inches on more powerful versions, and ground clearance is an average 150 mm. The rear is more restrained, with narrow tail lights, a substantial bumper with mouldings and one or two exhaust pipes depending on the engine; the boot lock is hidden under the Alfa Romeo badge. When it appeared, the 156's styling felt years ahead of its time.

The 156 GTA

At the Frankfurt motor show in September 2001, Alfa Romeo presented the 156 GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerita, "lightened"). It was built as a saloon and Sportwagon until October 2005 and was distinguished by its own body kit, wider track and sports interior. Under the bonnet it had the 3.2-litre version of the famous "Busso" V6, producing 184 kW (250 PS) and 300 Nm, enough for 0–100 km/h in about 6 seconds and a top speed of around 250 km/h.

Interior and practicality

The cabin was not lavishly equipped by today's standards, but its design compared well with rivals of the time. Base versions have simple cloth seats, and depending on the trim level the seats and much of the cabin could be trimmed in leather. Space is adequate rather than generous. The lines throughout the cabin are harmonious and flowing.

The driver faces an oval three-spoke steering wheel with audio buttons, adjustable for height and reach, and on many versions trimmed in wood. Two deep cowled dials show road speed and engine speed, and a trip computer provides useful information. The driver's seat is very comfortable, so the car suits long journeys.

The centre console has three analogue gauges at the top to monitor the engine, angled towards the driver in classic Alfa fashion. Below them is the factory radio, which many owners now replace, then three round controls for the heating and air conditioning, and an ashtray at the bottom. The standard speakers were supplied by Bose, and their sound quality still holds up; satellite navigation was optional. The tunnel has small storage compartments, the gear lever, a mechanical handbrake, a cigarette lighter, transmission mode buttons and an armrest.

The rear bench can take three adults, though only two will be truly comfortable. The saloon's boot holds about 378 litres; the Sportwagon offers 360 litres, but its rear seats fold to give 1,180 litres.

Engines

The four-cylinder petrol engines belong to the Twin Spark family, with two spark plugs per cylinder. The 2.5-litre V6 takes the 156 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and on to 230 km/h. The diesels used direct common-rail injection and turbocharging; the 2.4 JTD is credited as the world's first common-rail diesel in a passenger car. The most powerful diesel produced 129 kW (175 PS) and 385 Nm, and the engines met the Euro 3 standard. They have a reputation for reliability.

Transmissions

Power went to the front wheels through five- or six-speed manual gearboxes. From 1999 the 2.0 Twin Spark could also be ordered with the five-speed Selespeed automated manual with steering-wheel controls — a genuine technical breakthrough in this segment at the time. The Crosswagon Q4 added permanent all-wheel drive.

Chassis, quality and safety

The 156 has fully independent suspension that is both comfortable and agile: double wishbones at the front and a MacPherson-type strut layout with two transverse links and a longitudinal strut at the rear. Brakes are discs of 281 mm at the front and 251 mm at the rear, with larger brakes on more powerful versions. ABS, EBD and the VDC stability system, which on many cars could not be switched off, were fitted.

The predecessor, the 155, had suffered from corrosion, and Alfa Romeo solved this problem on the 156; the electronics were also made more reliable. Safety equipment included front and side airbags and curtain airbags, together with ABS and the stability system.

Strengths and weaknesses

The 156 is valued for its timeless design, pleasant and comfortable cabin, wide choice of engines and engaging handling. It is generally reliable, but repairs can be costly, and good examples are increasingly hard to find. It appeals most to enthusiasts of the brand and of Italian design. In its day it competed with the Audi A4, Honda Accord and the BMW 3 Series of the E36 and E46 generations.