Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 SELESPEED
For Serious Drivers Only, Alfa Romeos 156 2.0-Litre Selespeed Is Just The Thing For Would-Be Michael Schumachers. Claire Evans Reports
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Alfa Romeo has to be a car of passion and performance. This we know. In the 156 however, the Milanese company has also mixed these virtues with others: refinement, quality and prestige. The result has been a huge success.
But like all Alfas, the 156 remains a performance machine at heart, not simply a car that makes sense on the accountants balance sheet. If proof were needed of this fact, then its provided in the form of the 2.0-litre Selespeed version, priced from £19,540. This enthusiasts addition to the 156 line-up is fitted with Formula One Grand Prix-style steering wheel-mounted gear switches.
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Fitted with the a similar Magneti-Marelli system as the Ferraris roadgoing F360 F1, this Alfa allows you to make consistently swift and precise gearchanges that even Michael Schumacher would be proud of. For the moment, the Selespeed gadgetry comes only fitted to the range-topping GTA model and the 2.0 JTS model with Veloce trim, where it takes the form of a normal five-speed gearbox allied to an automatic clutch. Two buttons on the steering wheel enable the driver to change gear while keeping both hands where they need to be.
You simply lift a thumb and flick the left hand switch to drop a gear, or flick the right hand one to go up a notch. So pleasurable is the experience that anyone with a drop of real driving blood in their veins is guaranteed to be continually switching up and down for the sheer thrill of it at least to start with. After all, each down-change brings with it that distinctive muted Alfa roar, courtesy of the same 1,970cc four-cylinder unit found in the standard 156 2.0 JTS.
"Just flick the steering wheel-mounted switch, watch the rev counter soar and listen to the engines glorious Alfa roar..."
The set up of the Selespeed version is identical too, if you discount the inevitably altered gear ratios. These, together with the F1-style gear-shifting arrangement account for a price increase of around £750 over the equivalently specified 2.0 JTS Veloce model. Slip behind the wheel and youre encouraged to get out there and drive.
The controls are angled towards the driver, as is the gearshift lever that compliments the Selespeed switches and allows the car to be driven like a normal automatic. But you'll want to know what it's like taking to the tarmac, gunning through the gears. Buy one of these and everyone will be asking. There's something about the look of this car which is deeply suggestive in this respect. Perhaps it's the coupe-like styling, perhaps the high waistline. Are these the hallmarks of what
Alfa Romeo calls a great sports saloon? You'll soon see. Select your favourite road. That one you love with the sweeping, open bends, the curving cambers and the blind brows. The 156 is soon humming along it, the response to your every movement immediate.
Your brain tells your hands to turn. The car responds as if it were eavesdropping. Straight line acceleration in this 2.0-litre model is more than adequate, with the 165bhp powerplant capable of reaching 60mph in a mere 8.
2 seconds on the way to 137mph. Fuel consumption? Well its unimpaired. Expect to average over 30mpg. As well as the brilliant gear levers, this version also adds 16" alloys, climate control and a sports body kit to the lengthy list of standard 156 refinements. These include ABS, traction control VDC stability control, electric front windows, six airbags, remote central locking and an alarm/immobiliser to ensure nobody makes off with your highly desirable machine. 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. Running costs are affordable particularly in comparison to the immediate competition. Over 60,000 miles, a
BMW 325i requires over 16 hours of servicing. This 156, in contrast, needs little more than six.
Plus, in case you hadn't heard, Alfa Romeo residual values are now quite comparable with the likes of
Audi and BMW. In summary then, a useful addition to an outstanding range and a car serves to remind potential buyers of Alfas core marque values. Whereas a BMW or an Audi might be a fashion statement, the Alfa is a serious car for serious drivers. If thats you, then youll love it.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Selespeed
PRICES: £19,540 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 205-212g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.6s Max Speed 135 mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 33mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4430/1745/1415mm
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