Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £28,545 to £28,545
Stylish looks, value for money, performance and character, a well-priced second-hand buy
Slightly cramped rear accommodation, driving position not to everyone's tastes, build quality still a little behind the Germans
A thoroughly entertaining car that's a real alternative to its German rivals. Storming GTA is wild and visceral and new direct injection 2.0-litre petrol engine shows Alfa has its finger on the technological pulse
The 156's driving position is miles better than that of Alfas of old, but it still favours those with short legs and long arms, despite a fully-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat. At just over two turns between locks, the rack and pinion steering is very direct - though the turning circle is long-winded. A light clutch and a direct but long-throw gearlever make for easy cog-swapping, but engage reverse and you'll find that both the saloon and Sportwagon estate have restricted rearward visibility. Oh yes. Central to the 156's character are its engaging on-road dynamics. It simply begs to be driven enthusiastically. The engines are pivotal here. All engines from the entry level 120 bhp 1.6-litre through to the blistering 250 bhp 3.2-litre V6 deliver their power with such refinement and willingness that extending the engine becomes an integral part of the driving experience. Even the 2.4-litre JTD turbo-diesel sounds good, its off-beat five-cylinder engine sounding more Audi ur-quattro than Massey Ferguson. The chassis plays its part too. The 156 may be front-wheel drive and, for keen drivers, lack the handling purity of a rear-wheel drive car, but the 156 is still a thoroughly entertaining steer. The ultra-direct steering and pointy front end make threading the 156 through a series of corners a delight. The GTA treatment simply magnifies these qualities threefold and plumbs the driver directly onto the road. Fabulous.
Exceptional, whatever the engine. The GTA can be steered entertainingly on the throttle with its scalpel-sharp steering and oversteer-biased handling. Expect a 0-60 mph dash in around six seconds and a 150 mph top speed. The direct injection 2.0-litre Twin Spark is just as engaging. Offering more power and torque than the outgoing 2.0-litre unit without penalising economy, it revs sweetly to its 7000rpm red line while delivering its 165 bhp in an addictively linear and refined manner. Torquey and frugal, the five cylinder 2.4-litre JTD is also worth considering, with power up 10 bhp to 150 bhp. The willing 1.8 and 1.6-litre Twin Spark engines carry on as before.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Alfa Romeo 156
wrote on 10 10 2007