Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 TWINSPARK
Alfa Romeos Polished 156 1.8 Range Proves The Law Of Diminishing Returns. Andy Enright Reports.
Right about now, the
Alfa Romeo 156 range is all about three engines, the hi-tech 2.0 JTS petrol engine, the beefed-up 2.4-litre JTD diesel and the barnstorming 3.2-litre fitted to the GTA flagship.
The 144bhp 1.8-litre lump is not headline news. Its an engine thats criminally easy to ignore, lacking the attention-grabbing affordability of the 1.6-litre entry-level models and the performance and economy figures of the rest.
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Whisper it, but this 1.8-litre powerplant might just represent the best bang for your buck in the whole 156 range,
Priced midway between the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre models, the Twin Spark 1.8-litre cars open at £16,370 in Turismo guise and £17,770 if you want the Veloce variant.
The latest set of styling changes have refreshed the look nicely without altering the basic silhouette. The deeper front grille and the frowning jewel effect lights will catch the eye of the dedicated Alfisti, but few would spot the differences if unprompted. Genuine anoraks will also spot the microscopically modified tail lights and the Sportwagon estate versions ever-so slightly cleaner rear bumper design.
" If you major on mechanical sympathy, you and the 156 1.8 may not get along...
"
Otherwise, the recipe is much the same. There are six airbags as standard, plus the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability system, brake assist and ASR traction control. The Sportwagon estate option remains, theres standard air-conditioning and a CD player. Two trim levels are offered with 1.
8-litre power, Turismo versions feature alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and front fog lights in addition to the generous standard kit. While Veloce adds 16-inch wheels, a sports body kit, climate control and some mouthwatering upholstery choices. Specifying the 156 1.8 up to the nines does somewhat scotch its raison detre.
Fine if youve forked out big money for a JTD or a GTA, but if youre working to a budget, many will find the Turismo and Veloce models represent a sound value proposition. The 1.8-litre engine is a willing counterpart, being pleasantly light enough to give the 156 razor-sharp turn-in. Indeed, many prefer the feel of the smaller-engined 156 models exactly because of this, the front end pitching less over undulations in the road.
Strictly speaking a 1.7 at 1,747cc, the engine returns decent fuel economy figures with an extra urban figure identical to that of the less powerful 1.6-litre car at just over 44mpg. Top speed nudges 130mph whilst the 156 1.
8 will accelerate through the 60mph increment in a respectable 9.2 seconds. Its a vocal engine and, it has to be said, not the most relaxing. Its enthusiasm is infectious and it relishes being zinged right up to its redline.
If you major on mechanical sympathy, you and the 156 1.8 may not get along. Its a delightful metallic blare at the top end of the rev range and makes the car almost impossible to drive slowly. Alfisti everywhere will recognise this as the mark of a true
Alfa Romeo.
These enthusiasts will think fondly back to Alfas like the 1900 or the Giulietta, the Giulia or the Alfetta. Truth to tell however, these, though great cars, were never really great travelling companions. If you weren't in the mood to enjoy them, then a personality clash was sometimes inevitable. That things are different in a 156 is evident from the first moment you drive one. Climate control good enough to deliver everything from Malibu in March to Alaska in August is standard across the board. For a premium of just over £1,000, the stylish Sportwagon estate variant is well worth considering.
Here, the emphasis is on fashion rather than practicality but what boot space there is (360 litres) is easily accessible. Drop the rear 60:40 split rear seats and you can create a completely flat loading area of 1,180 litres. Yes, the rumours that with the seats in place it can carry less than the saloon are true, but hey, when a car looks this good who can devote too much consideration to steamer trunks? The 156 will go down in history as the car that turned Alfa Romeo around. Remember its predecessor, the 155. Here was a car that was deliciously purposeful, but which was just too much of a gamble for many buyers to plump for.
The 156 has taken that element of chance out of Alfa buying and the 1.8-litre versions represent a lot of performance saloon for your money, the Turismo variant especially delivering a desirable badge for mainstream money. If the looks dont reel you in, the drive certainly will. Genuine Italian automotive seduction doesnt get much more affordable than the Alfa Romeo 156.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Alfa Romeo 156 1.8 range
PRICES: £16,370-£19,170 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 202-205g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.2s Max Speed 129 mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 23.3 (extra urban) 44.1 (combined) 33.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4430/1745/1415mm
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