On public roads, Italian Alfa Romeo cars stand out with a sporty silhouette and authentic, memorable design. The model number 156 was no exception. A squat silhouette, as if preparing for a throw, "big-eyed" headlights, an original radiator grill in the shape of an inverted triangle - the signature features of automobile magicians from Milan are visible in every detail.
History reference
The concept car was presented to the discerning public at the prestigious Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997. According to reviews, Alfa Romeo 156 was liked by potential buyers, and journalists, and specialists. Given the high interest in the model, Alfa Romeo management decided not to delay production and in the same year set up assembly at the head plant in Pomigliano d'Arco.
Over the next decade, almost 700,000 cars of various modifications and trim levels were produced, which was a huge success for the not very common Italian brand. The model survived several restylings, acquired sports versions, participated in professional motorsport. There was even an all-wheel drive version of the Q4 Crosswagon, which lasted the longest on the assembly line (until the end of 2007). Buyers had a choice between two dozen engines and five types of gearboxes. Given the popularity of the brand in Asia, Alfa Romeo 156 has been manufactured in Thailand for several years. The 156th was recognized as one of the best cars of its time.
Description
The Alfa Romeo 156 is a premium D-class car of the 932 series. The model was available in two versions: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door Sportwagon station wagon. By the way, Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones took part in the advertising campaign.
Perhaps today the appearance of the sports car does not look very fashionable, but contemporaries described the design as magnificent, elegant. The 156th stands out in the stream of the same type of vehicles and clearly demonstrates that sedans do not have to look bored. It was intended for driving enthusiasts as a more practical alternative to coupes and convertibles.
Specifications
Alfa Romeo 156 has the widest range of engines ranging in volume from 1.6 to 3.2 liters. The most popular is the gasoline 16-valve “two-liter” Twin Spark series with a double ignition spark with a capacity of 150-155 liters. from. (110-114 kW) at 6400 rpm. Torque is 181-187 Nm at 3500-3800 rpm depending on the year of manufacture.
In 2002, the engine was replaced by the Jet Thrust Stoichiometric (JTS) family of direct-flow power units. Due to the fact that the fuel is directly supplied to the chamber, the combustion efficiency (and, therefore, efficiency) was increased by 10%. According to reviews, Alfa Romeo 156 in this case requires the use of high-quality high-octane gasoline with a minimum sulfur content. Therefore, it is undesirable to refuel at gas stations with a bad reputation. The range of 2-liter engines was later used to complete the next generation models - on the Spider convertible and the four-cylinder GTV coupe.
Another popular power unit is the 190-horsepower 2.5-liter engine version of the V6 Busso with a “automatic” Q-System. According to reviews, the Alfa Romeo 156, equipped with this engine, has excellent dynamics, while the noise level in the cabin remains low even when driving at high speeds. There is also a 3.0L version (for 156 GTA) with a capacity of 250 liters. from. and a torque of 300 Nm, and some private ateliers increase the volume up to 3.8 liters.
Selespeed and Q-System Technologies
Alfa Romeo Italian cars are able to surprise with technological innovations. One of them is a Selespeed mechanical electro-hydraulic transmission. This is a robotic manual transmission with electric clutch. Gear ratios are selected either by the lever of the sequential box, or by means of gearshift paddles. Automatic mode is also available. On the 156th model, it is paired with 2-liter Twin Spark engines.
The Q-System is a high-tech four-speed gear shift system that offers a choice between manual control (selector lever in position “H”) and fully automatic operation in the “City”, “Sport” and “Ice” modes. It is installed together with the engines of the V6 Busso series.
Equipment
Standard equipment for all versions includes:
- double front airbags;
- anti-lock braking system;
- automatic climate control;
- remote central lock;
- immobilizer;
- power windows;
- electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors;
- electrically adjustable headlights;
- fog lights.
The beautifully crafted mahogany steering wheel is adjustable both in tilt and telescopic in height.
Owners opinion
Alfa Romeo 156 reviews are mostly positive. The car is nice, prestigious, well-equipped. She clearly does not get lost in the city stream. The front seats are very comfortable, the controls are at hand. In versions with manual transmission, the pedals are located close to each other, which requires getting used to. Given that the car is medium-sized (length - 4.4 m; height - 1.4-1.5 m; width - 1.75 m), the passenger behind the driver may not have enough legroom.
Two-liter (or more) motors are amazing. High-torque, high-spirited, they provide excellent driving dynamics. And the corporate "roar" is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the auto industry (if you do not take into account expensive supercars). Management is flexible, reliable, sharp. The brake system fulfills all 100%. The sports suspension has a short damper, so “breakdowns” happen on bad roads. In general, the car turned out much more interesting than the previous model number 155.
Tuning
It is difficult to find a more interesting object for tuning. Alfa Romeo 156, if desired and with sufficient funds, can be transformed beyond recognition. The market is saturated with decorative elements that can dramatically improve the look. First of all, it is:
- interchangeable radiator grilles;
- door sills;
- "Gills" on the hood and wings;
- body kits;
- bumpers;
- "Cilia" on the headlights;
- turn signals, brake lights;
- spoilers, wing;
- LED backlighting and more.
True enthusiasts go further, changing the design of the cabin, increasing technical equipment and even boosting the engine. These works are best left to professionals. There are motorists' clubs where you can get a lot of ideas for tuning and learn the invaluable experience of colleagues.