Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £28,545 to £28,545
Styling, performance, driving enjoyment, practicality and, above all, character; now very cheap second-hand buys.
Slightly cramped in the rear, the dealer network is not the best, poor reliability record.
Great to look at and great to drive, it makes a refreshing alternative to a BMW or an Audi, if not the most sensible option.
The 156 has never held its value well so it's now a cheap second-hand buy - just don't invest too much money in one. The 1.8 TS with Sports Pack remains a sought-after version, while the 2.5 V6, despite being a great car, loses value fastest.
But all are well equipped, with standard air conditioning and CD players - making for a better-value purchase than an Audi, BMW or Merc of an equivalent age, mileage and power output.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Alfa Romeo 156
wrote on 10 10 2007