Alfa Romeo 166 (1999 - TO DATE)
Models Covered: 4 Dr Saloon [2.0, 2.5, 3.0 petrol (TS, Super, Lusso)]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
The
Alfa Romeo 166 is the car which finally put the ghost of woeful big Alfas to rest. In fact, so good was the impression created upon launch that for the first time in years, nobody could recall an "Alfas Last Chance Saloon" cliché being inflicted on the 166. Part of this was due to the rehabilitation of Alfas image by the celebrated 156 model, only a year out of the box at the time of the 166s launch. Nonetheless, the 166 is the first big Alfa Romeo that can honestly be recommended as a used purchase, which speaks volumes about the regard in which it is held by the motor industry.
The Alfa 166 is not the most spacious contender in its class. Whats perhaps surprising given the transversely mounted front engine layout is that rear passengers will get that charter flight feeling of claustrophobia. Rear leg and headroom isnt great, but up front the reverse is true. The driving
seat, especially if its trimmed in the gorgeous Momo leather, is where youll want to be.
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The boots quite a good size, but in terms of overall packaging, the Alfa would come a distant second to a
Volvo S80 or
BMW 5 series. Theres a choice of standard or Lusso equipment levels with the latter providing leather upholstery and electrically adjusted front seats amongst other enhancements. Interestingly, the Italians have resisted the temptation to follow the competition by decorating the cabin with wood; they would like you to think this car to be above all that. Instead, the money has been spent on a couple of useful driving aids.
Dominating the fascia is a new Siemens-designed 'Integrated Control System'. This centre-console-mounted screen handles the stereo, climate control and (where fitted) satellite navigation system, standardising the kind of technology that cost thousands extra in the opposition. The same thinking has driven the development of a new electronically controlled Sportronic automatic gearbox. In one mode, a sophisticated 'brain' selects a pre-determined gearshift pattern based on your current driving style. In another, a 'Tiptronic'-style system enables you to flick the lever up and down to determine your own changes. Nor does the technology stop there. A glance at the technical specification reveals a positive forest of acronyms: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), a Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and of course, the latest four-channel Bosch ABS. Powerful Xenon headlamps offer twice the normal lighting capacity; rain-sensitive wipers make mixed conditions more relaxing. Even the wheelarches are trimmed with special sound-deadening material to prevent road debris making a noise as it clouts the inner arches. A lot of thought has gone into this car.
The result, to Alfa's credit, is a saloon that stays true to its maker's traditions without following them blindly. Many owners of rival models are in for a shock if they can be persuaded behind the wheel.
Expect to find the first few 1999 S-registered 2.0-litre Twin Spark cars starting at around £5,700. More typical T-registered examples tend to fetch an additional £400. Cars equipped with the optional Momo leather interior are worth an additional £300.
£5,800 is the opening price for 2.5-litre V6 models with Sportronic gearbox equipped cars commanding an extra £300-£400. Expect to have to fork out at least £6,300 for a 1999 3.0-litre V6, although a more typical asking price for a late 2000/early 2001 model will be £8,500-£10,000 depending upon condition and specification.
Insurance Groups ascend with engine choices, the 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0-litre cars being rated in Groups 15, 16, and 17 respectively.
Though the 166 is too new for any significant faults to appear, the reliability record of the 156 has been excellent. The fit and finish of the cabin and general attention to detail appears good, although only miles on the clock will show up any failings. Check the front tyres for wear and check the suspension bushings on the V6-engined models.
(based on a 2.0 Twin Spark) For a new clutch youre looking at £178, front and rear brake pads are around £65 and £45 respectively and a new offside headlamp will be in the region of £161. A replacement air filter is around £23, an oil filter £8, whilst spark plugs will cost approximately £22. A cam belt retails at around £30.
Sitting behind the wheel, theres a classic Italian feel to the fascia, although thankfully the traditional Italian driving position is notable by its absence. As with most Alfa Romeos, the smaller engined models handle more fluently than those with a hunk of V6 in the nose, and the 166 is no exception. Whilst the additional weight of the 166 2.0 Twin Spark robs it of the zest of the similarly-engined 156, it still handles remarkably well.
With only 2.2 turns lock to lock, the steering is almost telepathically quick, although it also reverts in a massive turning circle. Rest to 60 comes up in 9.3 seconds in the 2.
0-litre car, as opposed to 8.6 and 7.7 seconds respectively in the 2.5 and 3.
0-litre V6 cars respectively. Ride comfort is very good at low speeds, although at higher motorway speeds theres a fair degree of float which can feel slightly disconcerting in bad conditions. All models benefit from clever, patented multi-link rear suspension that sets class standards for handling if not in terms of ride. For the serious Alfa fan, nothing but the beautiful 3.
0-litre V6 will do. This is one of the few cars around today that have engines that look like engines should, polished pipes, crackle finish cam covers and so on. Lift the bonnet of most modern cars and youre usually confronted by something that looks like a tumble dryers innards, a wheelie bin lid or a disembowelled hi-fi. The V6 also sounds magnificent.
Drive it as it demands and you could return 14mpg, but on a touring route youll achieve 24mpg, still way short of what can be expected of a BMW 528i. Performance is appropriately lusty, but the weight in the nose makes turn-in slightly slow and also exacts a penalty when driven on undulating roads, the suspension sometimes getting slightly out of phase, crashing against the bump stops when it finally runs out of answers.
That the
Alfa Romeo 166 is a bit of a flawed diamond is unquestionable. The difference between this car and big Alfas of the past is that unlike catastrophic reliability and residual values, the Alfa 166s faults are relatively minor and will deter fewer people than the astonishingly sexy styling attracts. The problem is that the sector it competes in contains some incredibly competent offerings from BMW,
Audi and Volvo. If you do opt to make your neighbourhood a more beautiful place, then putting a used Alfa 166 on your driveway is one of the most enjoyable ways of doing it.
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