Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

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 ...
...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 ...

polydeuces 26.04.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

...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) · Read full review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

...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 · Read full review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

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 · Read full review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

...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) · Read full review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

...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 · Read full review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark