I have owned the selespeed version of this car for nearly three years now, and dsepite the teeth sucking of my colleagues, think its a great motor.
Firstly the styling makes this one of the most beautiful junior executives around- let alone any estate car.
On entering the car you are greeted by the herd of cows that had to die to make the momo leather upholstery (optional), this is superbly fitting, and gives an almost instant feel of Italian flair.
The controls are simple, and you dont need to swallow a dictionary in order to decipher the various acronyms and mnemonics that grace the spec pages of other manufacturers brichures.
They seem actually to have thought about how the car is put together- all the dashboard dials face the driver so he or she dont have to crane their necks to see how much fuel is in the tank, and you are safe in the knowledge that should you crash, then you will be swamped by acres of airbags, springing out of all available orifices.
There is a function on this car which allows you to switch the passenger airbag off, if for instance, a forward-facing child seat is in use.
Big advantages as far as I was concerned were the dual zone air conditioning system, and the ability to raise and lower the drivers seat, me being a little vertically challenged.
There is plenty of room on the back seats for two adults and a child, or with a little less comfort, three adults. There is no problem with headroom for any occupant of this vehicle.
As far as performance goes, with its 166 Bhp this car will sit at 70 mph at around 2500rpm, and reach 100mph in about 12 seconds.
Should you want to push it to its aparrent top speed, you can expect somewhere in the region of 137mph but that is the fastest it will go. (I tested mine in Germany)
Be aware though, IF you are tempted to try this out for yourself, think about 2 things:
1. Your Driving Licence
2. The price of the fuel you will need to top it up- it drinks at high speeds.
This car is seriously good fun, it seems as if it is willing you to drive like a certain Herr Schumacher, and corners like an intercity125, although the yaw of the bodywork makes you think that it doesnt.
The only drawback that I can see, is that the boot space is largely taken up by a subwoofer- which comes as standard in certain models, and is great for annoying the kids with vivaldi, whilst on the way to holidays!
I just do not know where all the space is gone, although there is a facility to pack your skis, without having to buy a roofrack monstrosity.
Seriously, it can carry all you NEED, but not if you want to take the kitchen sink with you!
That is my only gripe.
Despite all the comments from friends, that this will spend more time in the garage than on the road I have had not 1 singular problem with this car in the whole 3 years I have owned it, and have found the customer service of Alfa Romeo (Europe) to be second to none.
A superb car as far as I am concerned- At the very least, it is worth a good serious look, AND a test drive.
2004 Facelift makes it More beautiful...Take a look.
Hopefully this was of some use.