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 Alfa has slightly above-average servicing costs: you'll need to find a skilled specialist to look after it and they don't come cheap.
Insurance can also be high. The four-cylinder models offer competitive economy relative to their performance: the V6 is a bit thirsty. Overall, its running costs are competitive for a car of this size and performance.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Alfa Romeo 156
wrote on 10 10 2007