We have had an Alfa Romeo 156 as a fleet car where I work for 2 years now. Originally allocated to a manager who resigned it was only a few months old when it joined the fleet. At first thoughts it is not the obvious choice for a fleet car. Heaven knows company cars allocated to an individual ... Read review
1-5 of 6 Car reviews of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
An Exotic Partner
Advantages: Superb looks and performance Disadvantages: Ride not the best, quality of manufacture still not quite up to standard
We have had an Alfa Romeo 156 as a fleet car where I work for 2 years now. Originally allocated to a manager who resigned it was only a few months old when it joined the fleet. At first thoughts it is not the obvious choice for a fleet car. Heaven knows company cars allocated to an individual driver are treated badly enough but one which a user may only have for a day or so at a time is not likely to receive an overdose of tender loving care. ...no doubting however that the Alfa is a very attractive car which stands out from the usual rep plodder in the fleet. Given the choice of 6 sets of keys of Mondeos, Lagunas, Vectras, 406s and an Alfa you would probably choose the 156. It has a head start on the others for looks and desirability and the pick-a-key test proves it.
The performance of the car is also very good. Even in the 1.8 version we have had it can cruise all day at ... more
We have had an Alfa Romeo 156 as a fleet car where I work for 2 years now. Originally allocated to a manager who resigned it was only a few months old when it joined the fleet. At first thoughts it is not the obvious choice for a fleet car. Heaven knows company cars allocated to an individual driver are treated badly enough but one which a user may only have for a day or so at a time is not likely to receive an overdose of tender loving care.
The apparently fragile charms of the Alfa have been severely tested. When the car first went into the fleet I used it for a few journeys myself and a few more times over the last months and it is due to leave us soon as its lease expires. So what is it like?
It was made Car Of The Year when it was launched in 1998 but as the panel which votes for this award is dominated by Italian journalists that is no great surprise. Anything remotely innovative and reasonably well bolted together in Milan or Turin can win that award. There is no doubting however that the Alfa is a very attractive car which stands out from the usual rep plodder in the fleet. Given the choice of 6 sets of keys of Mondeos, Lagunas, Vectras, 406s and an Alfa you would probably choose the 156. It has a head start on the others for looks and desirability and the pick-a-key test proves it.
The performance of the car is also very good. Even in the 1.8 version we have had it can cruise all day at 90mph (where legal) and due to the sporty gearing of the 144bhp engine it is barely ticking over. You really have to be careful as any inattention to the speed and you can easily find yourself in licence losing territory without realising it.
Away from the motorway the car handles very well too. BMW would tell us that performance car and front wheel drive don’t mix but the Alfa makes a good fist of it. It is also surprisingly comfortable. I had heard tales of uncomfortable seats and a driving position only suitable if your hands scrape the floor as you walk but I found the seats very supportive and again the car is very relaxing to drive in.
But there are negatives and at this stage I will have to say why I would perhaps not be too happy to be an Alfa 156 owner every day. Firstly the instruments, now this will be sacrilege to Alfa enthusiasts, but, I found the dial arrangements and general shape of the dashboard to be on the odd side of quirky. It tries to retain a distinctly Alfa Romeo feel but it does not work for me. As much as anything you lose the feeling of being in, what is for a car of this type, a beautiful car. This was exacerbated by more rattles and squeaks than you would hear in a mouse’s nursery.
On the motorway with the engine settled down at a steady rate the noises are less noticeable and you can appreciate the car. Its ride is OK on motorways but it seems to handle poor surfaces and winds less ably than the other cars mentioned. Fuel consumption was always good though with near 40mpg possible with a little care.
Sometimes you choose your car the way you may choose a partner. Do you want a steady reliable one that you know will always be there for you. Perhaps not the greatest looker in the road but good at everything. Or do you want a flirty, flighty, exotic example knowing you always have to watch for the covetous glances of others. The Alfa is OK for a fling, for short-term pleasure, something to bring out the bad in you but ultimately you may find yourself happy with something less eyecatching but just as good.
Advantages: Smile on your face Drive Disadvantages: Bits falling off
...is a standard fit then Alfa really need to do something about this, if it is a retro fit, whoever fitted it sucks!
Handling - absolutely superb. The only car that I have driven that grips the road better than this is a go-kart; it really is as good as that. I have yet to cause this car to lose it on any corner (which is a really nice feeling to have, given the state of the UK's roads)
Interior - Leather seats which grip you to perfection. Must ... ...keyhole is hidden behind the Alfa badge. You need to slide it sideways to access the keyhole)
Overall - As in the original body of my Op, if Alfa could only get the quality control right, and do away with all of the fally-offy, squeaky, rattly, bits, then the Alfa would be a genuine contender. I am already looking ahead to next years new company car, and the Beemer 320 is calling, but I still can't shake the "what about another Alfa?" feeling. I ...
Flipper01 05.08.2003 (18.08.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
Advantages: Style, performance, coolness, build quality Disadvantages: Silly little glove box. Is that all?
...verve and sweetness of an Alfa – and that's without mentioning the delicious sound they make.
Worryingly, I see signs of what I suspect may be costcutting on cars later than my own. The prettiest car on the road (even after nearly four years)is compromised by the removal of the black bumper mouldings. This may sound trivial but it doesn't half cheapen the overall look of the car. If the designer wanted to leave them out he would have done so in ... ...wheel and gear knob (true Alfa touches, these) and a radio that was actually an integral part of the car's design. Thankfully remaining, of course, are those dinky rear door handles, so cleverly concealed, and that will always have new passengers gasping with delight (and I'm not kidding).
In three and a half years, the only attention this car has demanded from me beyond routine servicing is one front headlamp bulb, one front sidelight bulb and ...
Bigjohnnybob 29.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
Advantages: Stylish looks, good handling, stands out from the crowd Disadvantages: Average reliability
The Alfa 1.8 Twinspark is a great car, compromised only a little by some details.
Its looks speak for themselves - a beautiful car, of obvious Italian and Alfa lineage, with nicely balanced curves from front to back. In my car's case, this is enhanced further with a factory spoiler over the boot. Will always get envious glances!
Performance is good, bordering on great. The engine is nippy enough for around town, and the handling excellent - very ... ...get pride from having the Alfa bade stitched onto the comfy seats! That aside, it's spacious enough, although the passenger seat would be a little boxed in by the dash for taller folk. It has every electric function that you could need, and air conditioning that is quiet and effective. The boot is also quite spacious for a saloon car of this size. The spare wheel is a space saver, which although not ideal personally, is common nowadays. Security ...
stevem76 29.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
Advantages: Handsome car with excellent handing, peppy engine Disadvantages: Quality doesn't inspire confidence
...example - I bought my Alfa after I spotted a load of 1 year old ex-rental examples for sale at what I felt was a very reasonable price.
I think I was seduced by the looks and the Alfa badge - this car has a lot of showroom appeal - but one year on what is it really like ?
Well I have to say that despite initial concerns after reading other reviews I remain really pleased with my purchase. My car is a January 2003 example with the updated interior ... ...my dealer the Fiat and Alfa businesses have been separated and they seem to recognise that they are working with a premium brand.
Updated November 2005:
I'm now at the end of my second year of ownership so thought a quick update would be helpful.
I commented on the brakes above - this was subsequently traced to a failing switch in the circuit (symptoms brake lights sticking on and intermitment warning on the info centre). Once replaced I would ...
mcneild 20.11.2004 (18.11.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
Advantages: Nice looking sexy car Disadvantages: customer service for ever ending problems
...to own and drive an Alfa Romeo. Coming from the nation where
the Ferrari originates form you'd think you cannot go wrong.
When I was old enough to own an Alfa Romeo, I daringly went for the new 156TS Lusso when it first
came out in the UK nearl 2.5 years ago.
I have had constant problems with this vehicle but guess when you go for something as new as this
you have to bite the bullet and accept recalls - especially the problems you report which ... ...to realise is that an Alfa Romeo is aimed for a different market compared to the common Fiat
and people should be treated as differently too.
I have complained consistently abotsome problems which they failed to find a solution for. They simply
denied the problem existed. The number of times mycar has gone in is crazy. I dont think I have enjoyed the pleasure of owning
and driving an Alfa - never would I buy or hire one let alone recommend anybody ...
ndattani 13.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark
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