Advantages: Interesting and Different Surprise Package Disadvantages: Just Not Sure About that 'Box
of an automatic? The answer: the Selespeed.
SELESPEED GEARBOX
I must admit I was rather sceptical about this whole thing when the other half decided this shiny blue (but nearly six years old) Alfa Romeo was going to be the new transport of choice.
Firstly it was an AlfaRomeo, a manufacturer I knew little about aside the fact their cars were generally crap and rust a lot. Then it's a 156 which meant absolutely nothing either. And to top it all we're going have this complete unknown quantity with the world's most complicated gearbox, which even the main dealer salesman described as "a learning curve".
I'll come back to the car in general shortly; but first I want to talk about this "miracle" transmission.
The general principal is to think of it as a clutch-less manual. This means there's just 2 peddles, just like an automatic, but ...
Advantages: Style, equipment levels, ride. Disadvantages: Petrol consumption, insurance costs.
From an early age, I've always hankered after cars that dare to look a little bit different and had always fancied an AlfaRomeo.
Having now reached an age where I've owned several cars, Ford, Vauxhall, Citroen, Renault and Ford again, I decided the time was right to be that bit decadent and treat myself to an Alfa.
The model I've bought is the 2.0 TS Selespeed Lusso, just over a year old with 3500 miles on the clock which is absolutely stunning in black with light grey Momo leather upholstery. Having paid just £12000 for it (best part of £20000 new with the extras it's got), they're are plenty of bargains to be had in the used car arena, and you'll get a lot of car for your money.
Having owned a fully specced up Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia previously (full leather, air con, traction control, cruise control etc etc) I really wanted ...
Advantages: High specification, stylish design, good value used car, sporty performer Disadvantages: lack of storage space
I bought my 156 2.0JTS Veloce as a one year old pre registered car with 10,000 miles and at the time did consider the Diesel JTD 150 version but in all honesty the heart and soul of an Alfa is not a diesel unit and never will be. The 2.0JTS is a work of art, pumping out 178 Bhp and willing to rev round the clock if desired, which is frequently when I go out. The engine has that beautiful Alfa rip and burble when getting the foot into the pedal it is difficult holding back a smile driving down the country lanes, where the car is very much at home. I can't fault the handling, the turning circle is not too great but who cares it is quick and responsive when asked, point in the direction you want to go and obliges without a fuss. The driving position is superb, it is clearly designed for the driver, it looks good, everything is at hand ...
Cost Used, Fast lovely sounding engine, Good Handling, Good Looks, Nice InteriorFirstly it is great to drive and pulls hard in every gear it looks good in Alfa red in the wide body style and handles great to!! I love it and I am now an Alfa lover.
![Stoneage Romeos [Remastered] - Hoodoo Gurus](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/671/Stoneage_Romeos_Remastered_Hoodoo_Gurus__5981671.jpg)
