Advantages: Beautiful to hear, beautiful to look at. Disadvantages: Fuel economy, Back seat room, Lack of folding rear seats
I recently passed my driving test (2nd attempt at age 35). To me this milestone (for a soon to be first time father) wasn't about practicality, fuel economy or any other of the usual considerations you should make when purchasing probably the second most expensive item you own.
This is because I'd already seen the car I wanted...The Alfa Romeo 156 TwinSpark. I'd looked at the Which reports and many many other publications and if I was honest with myself (and my wife Emma...sorry dear) I should have purchased a Ford Focus. A car which has great styling, a good reliability record and reasonable servicing. But no...as I say, the decision had long since been made, and I positively drooled at the sight of 156's whenever I saw one.
So after a long search I found the model I was looking for...a shiny Black 1.6 litre (Insurance being ...
Two years ago I decided to take the plunge and buy something different, and the Alfa had to be the choice. I purchased a 9 month old, low mileage "Lusso" 2.0ltr saloon version. Having still got the vehicle, how`s it stacked up? Read on for a few home truths after 30,000 trouble-free miles.....
Initially the style of the car was a great attraction, not to mention the Alfa pedigree of "exclusivity" and relative scarecity (relatively speaking there are few dealers specialising in this marque). The cars lines are unmatched, being very sleek and aesthetically pleasing from all angles - and that front end is so aggesive!
My initial impressions upon driving the car were that of a deceptively spacious interior, affording good driving visibility considering its compact and squat exterior looks. I chose the leather trim incidentally which is ...
Advantages: A popular brand, cool features Disadvantages: Ugly, sluggish, uncomfortable
For its size, this car feels very small on the inside, and it is very unconfortable. The leg room in the back is mediocre, but not suggestable for adults on long journeys!
The steering is controlled, but makes driving a bore. The car is sluggish, and the 1.4 litre engine does not perform as it should in a car this size.
The car feels like it is worth much less than it really cost, and most definately was not worth the money. Fortunately, it is my wife's company car, and not mine - and nor did I pay anything for it.
It's also very inefficient, my 2.0 litre people carrier is more efficient, and is capable of reaching faster speeds.
The car does have some positive points, ABS, 5 Air bags and a CD player came with it. Tinted windows come as standard, and the boot space is plenty for a weekly shop and a couple of briefcases ...
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