Alfa Romeo...the emotive choice

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...

Stevejames 22.04.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo 156 - What great fun!!

Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing, stylish, spacious boot, security, quick and knee tremblingly superior!!!,
Disadvantages: can be expensive to run....thats it really!!!

...The Alfa Romeo 156.?Where to start? The first thing you notice is it's elegant curves and aesthetics which makes the 156 an attractive semi sports car. There is something however that many (including myself) notice though about the rear doors, there is no handle or at least no visible handle. This little touch of Italian design is something of a puzzle to some and absolute genius to others. It is only a shame the same style could not be incorporated to the front doors which would finish it off a treat! Inside there is a surprising amount of space in the front with just enough in the rear to make it a comfortable ride. With the fabric interior and its colour scheme of grey and black with the Alfa Romeo motifs on the front seats creates a nice touch. The front seats are slightly contoured for ultimate comfort and style and to some...

amani_nicholson 12.04.2006 (13.04.2006) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa 156 - The truth.....

Advantages: Pedigree. Stylish.
Disadvantages: Insurance costs. Depreciation.

...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...

triplenut3 10.11.2005 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

My first Alfa and I'm in Love!

Advantages: Driving experience, looks and style
Disadvantages: A few minor niggles and a little paranoia from negative reviews

...pure class. With a redline at 7,000rpm, you can really push this car into some exciting places, and although yes, it can waver under 3,000rpm, once you're off the 2.0 twin spark engine will pleasantly surprise you time and time again, whether it's accelerating through the gears to reach cruising speed, or overtaking in 5th when you're already at 80-85mph, the 165 bhp comes into its own. And that engine note just makes you smile so much that I rarely use the radio any more. On the subject of the 156 being slow off the mark from the lights, after persevering, I've found just the right biting point at which to deploy the gas so I get a smooth and speedy take-off without slipping the clutch or revving like a boy racer, so this is no longer a problem. Around town, the ride can be a little bumpy, but this is an Alfa, not a 7 series, and rather...

JohnnyMaher123 19.05.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo - getting better ?

Advantages: Handsome car with excellent handing, peppy engine
Disadvantages: Quality doesn't inspire confidence

...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 say that the brakes are as good as any car I've driven. I decided to have the car MOT'd at the same time it went for it's annual service this month - actually a couple of months before I had to - and I'm glad I did. My 34 month-old, 27000 mile car, failed on worn bushes in the rear suspension, plus the service revealed that the timing belt needed replaced. Not what I would have expected! However to the credit of the dealer (Arnold Clark Edinburgh) and Alfa Romeo, these points were remedied under warranty together with a slight gearbox leak. Only problem was that the dealer couldn't reset the service indicator and a new one is on order (also under warranty). Moral of the story...

mcneild 20.11.2004 (18.11.2005) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 Twin Spark

Bella Alfa Romeo

Advantages: Great to drive and look at. Reliable and well built.
Disadvantages: Insurance can be pricey with some companies.

...Well I purchased the 147 2.0 Lusso last July (2003), brand new, from one of the many car supermarkets. It was just £13500 and has everything from the 17" supersports Alloys to Leather interior, sunroof as well as the comfort pact and winter pack. I saved around £6000 on the UK retail price and therefore should protect myself from any early depreciation. Should you buy this car? Well YES it drives like it is on rails and the ride is still smooth considering it's on the wide 17" low profile tyres. Mine came with Goodyear F1 Eagle tyre which give excellent grip. I have had no problems and the first 12000mile service was done by my Alfa dealer in Amersham for a very reasonable £150. Average fuel consumption is 33-35MPG. It holds a decent amount in the boot, as shown by a recent holiday with the Inlaws and in our previous 1.6Lusso (which...

mikegipson 16.06.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Twin Spark

Finally bought an Alfa Romeo....and loving it!

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 Alfa Romeo. 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...

JasonJohn 09.06.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Twin Spark Selespeed

Alfa Romeo 2.0L GTV. A future classic!

Advantages: Lovely handling. Beautiful. A lot of car for the price.
Disadvantages: Quirky, unreliable electrics. Badly kept examples will cost you

...it's your car, you don't want to share it! I'm not normally a selfish person, honest. Disadvantages are that perhaps the 2.0 litre engine will not be enough for some people. However now they're stopping production I think it'll turn into a classic. Make sure you get an inspection on second hand purchases and double check the suspension, which is a complex bit of kit and can be costly to replace. Also check the cam belts have been replaced (ideally every 30,000 miles despite what the offical figures suggest). This will avoid potentially expensive engine damage. Other minor disadvantages are that the electrics can be a little unreliable and you have to get used to it's nuances, but nobodies perfect. Electrics aside, Alfa Romeo's are a lot more reliable than they used to be, and do not rust apart anymore. The TS engine is good...

redlandking 18.03.2006 (19.03.2006) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Twin Spark

  Love At First Sight

Advantages: See opinion
Disadvantages: See opinion

...holiday to Tuscany in Italy. Car hire was included in the package, and for a few shillings (well, pounds actually) more I was able to upgrade to an Alfa 156 for the duration of the trip. My first nice surprise came on arrival at the airport in Bologna. I had booked a 1.6 litre model, but as one was not available, I was given instead the 2 litre Twin Spark, and at no extra charge! ~ ~ Before I’d even put the car into gear, I knew that this machine was going to prove something special. When you turn the key in the ignition, and hear for the first time the totally distinctive and unmistakable growl that comes from this car’s engine, you just know that you’re in for the drive of a lifetime. Exterior and Interior +++++++++++++++ ~ ~ But before we get to the driving characteristics and performance, let’s take a look...

the_mad_cabbie 11.03.2001 (23.10.2001) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD

Advantages: Engine, Looks, Leather, Options on my car
Disadvantages: Safety, Reliability Record, Dealership Record

...Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD 3dr Lusso You probably just don?t understand Alfa's and until you sit in one-you never will? Just bought an Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD 3dr Lusso and on first impressions I?m delighted. It?s Navy Blue in Colour which sets the car off great against the Cream Leather, its a top of the range model and comes with SAT NAV, Cruise Control, Telephone, full heated Leather Upholstery, trip computer, 16inch Alloy wheels etc. The options are great, although not a requirement for everyone-however I would recommend the leather upholstery as a MUST its fantastic. I test drove many cars before buying, yet decided on the Alfa 147, because it put the biggest smile on my face, it was the nicest car to sit in and felt the best to drive by a long way. The Golf mk4 GTi felt its age, and although the Golf mk5 1.6s that I...

Azz4711 26.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD