Alfa Romeo 166
Few Large Cars Are As Slinky As The
Alfa Romeo 166 Holds A Definite Appeal For Motoring Writer Vanessa Hinkley
Weve traditionally had a bit of a blind spot with Italian cars. Yes, they make great citycars and achingly desirable sports saloons, coupes and supercars but big saloons? The track record has been woeful. Therefore the level of expectation when Alfa launched the 166 was somewhere around ankle height despite the promise shown by its 164 predecessor. Therefore, to say the 166 exceeded expectations is to damn with faint praise but its nevertheless a very credible - if slightly overlooked alternative.
Its certainly a good deal more elegant than much of the competition and a recently overhauled front-end has only added to the pleasing effect. With its tapered nose and sleekly scalloped flanks the 166 is a car that can turn heads. Then theres the clear-lens headlights and the deep slatted grille. I think I could get used to something that pretty being a mere curtain twitch away.
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Since the smaller 156 carried off the Car of the Year award, Alfa has become more ambitious. The 156 proved that the Germans could be beaten on their own terms without abandoning any of Alfa's traditional virtues. The 166 must underline this achievement - and the portents are good. Designer Walter da Silva has produced a shape that will stand apart in the executive carpark without alienating conservative British buyers. As for quality - well, judge for yourself.
The doors kerchunk behind you: just like a Mercedes E-class. The body panel gaps are tight and consistent: just like an
Audi A6. And on the move, nothing shakes, nothing rattles and everything works time after time after time: just like a
BMW 5-Series. Three powerplants are available - a four-cylinder 2.0-litre Twin Spark, plus the existing 3.0-litre 24v V6 in this instance mated to a Sportronic automatic box and, debuting at the top of the range, the mighty 240bhp 3.
2-litre V6 that has seen service in the 147 and 156 GTA versions. Engines dont get any more charismatic than this and when mated to the six-speed manual gearbox, it covers the sprint to 60mph in around seven seconds flat.
Even the entry-level 155bhp 2.0-litre Twin Spark is engaging enough to make you want to seek out some challenging roads, if not as enjoyably 'chuckable' as the smaller 156. Keep it on the boil however and you'd probably stay within sight of the 226bhp 3.0 V6 on the twisty stuff. The only significant demerit is a slightly nervous high-speed ride. All models benefit from clever, patented multi-link rear suspension that sets new class standards for handling if not in terms of ride.
Alfa engineers freely admit that a huge chunk of the development budget went on this aspect of the car, but its been money well spent. This is one large saloon that really can ride like a limousine, yet handle like a sportscar if need be. None of which would matter very much if an Italianate driving position were to make it impossible to relax at the wheel. As Alfa's UK Brand Manager remarked at the 156's launch: if you couldn't get comfortable in that car, you needed a doctor not a dealer. The same goes here. As the most spacious contender in its class, it's no surprise to find that both front head and legroom are both excellent. The rear passengers aren't quite so well catered for but at least there's a huge boot, even if you have to lift things over a high sill to get to it. Other irritations include some rather cheap switchgear and a front central armrest that gets in the way of your gearchange. 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. The VDC Stability Control System appears on the 3.0 and 3.2-litre V6 models, a package which leaves a generous margin of driver enjoyment before deployment.
In this respect its only rivalled by Porsches PSM system. 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.
Theres a choice of Turismo or Lusso equipment levels with the latter providing leather upholstery and electrically adjusted front seats amongst other enhancements. Lusso buyers can also upgrade to a Ti sports pack that includes 18-inch wheels and lowered suspension. 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 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. You certainly get a lot for your money.
The Alfa 166 is a car I could most definitely live with. Its a car for the aesthete, the detailing and styling being quite different to the norm. If you appreciate something slinky and elegant, the 166 is well worth a look. Justifying it on financial grounds isnt so easy but rarely has letting your heart rule your head been so tempting.
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