Category: Executive 
Price Range: No data available
3.2 V6, dynamic drive, equipment
No diesel, depreciation, maligned dealer network
A credible alternative to the Peugeot 607 and Renault Vel Satis, but not in the same league as the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class or Audi A6.
The 166 is a very involving drive, with a sharp chassis and precise steering that delivers plenty of feedback through the wheel. That said, body roll is pronounced even with the adjustments Alfa has made to spring and damper rates. You can certainly feel the 1,500kg of weight through the corners. Bumps and cracks on the road are felt and heard in the cabin and the low-profile rubber on the alloys produce a lot of tyre noise and because of this, long haul stretches of motorway are not as relaxing and as comfortable as the sumptuous seats would suggest.
While there are two V6s and a 2.0-litre petrol available in the UK, there is no diesel option because of the extra cost of conversion to right-hand drive. The 240bhp 3.2 V6 (as found in the GTV/Spider and GT) is, unsurprisingly, very quick, taking 7.4 seconds to reach 62mph, topping out at just over 150mph (without a limiter). The other V6 is an older 3.0 unit producing 220bhp, but is only available with a four-speed automatic gearbox with 'push-up, pull-down' manual override with the gearstick - this takes the 166 to 62 in 8.6 seconds and on to almost 150mph. The 2.0-litre 150bhp Twin Spark engine completes the line-up and uses the same six-speed manual as the 3.2, mustering the 62mph sprint in just under 10 seconds with a maximum speed of 131mph.
Both V6s allow for easy driving with minimal gear changes due to the ample torque on offer (213lb ft at 4,800rpm in the 3.2, 195lb ft at 5,000rpm in the 3.0). The 2.0's relatively modest torque output of 133lb ft at 3,800rpm means you'll have to work the gearbox a little harder for rapid progress.
