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.
Most should be able to get comfortable behind the multi-adjustable seat and wheel, while the controls are logically laid out and light to use. But the high boot makes reversing tricky, and the turning circle is cumbersomely big. No car of this type is more entertaining - the whole character of the 156 encourages you to drive it enthusiastically. But if you're not in the mood, it's refined enough not to annoy. More fun than plenty of sports cars.
Terrific, whichever engine you buy. All four petrol motors sound great, the 2.5 V6 particularly, and they are smooth with it. The V6 is a bit thirsty, and some may find its six-speed gearbox a bit demanding. The turbodiesel sounds pretty good for an oil burner, and provides very good performance with decent economy.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Alfa Romeo 156
wrote on 10 10 2007