THE Alfa 156 is curvy and beautiful in a way that puts most BMWs to shame, and the concealed rear door handles even give it something of a coupe look.
When I first drove it, I wrote that it was as good to drive as a BMW and at the time it was the best front wheel drive car on the market.
It’s a pure driver’s car – involving and poised – and huge fun over any piece of road. It handles like the true thoroughbred it is, coming from a sporting maker.
Engines are 1.6, 1.8, 2.0-litre, 2.5 and 3.2 petrol with power ranging from 120 to 250bhp. There are also excellent 1.9 and 2.4-litre diesels with power from 115 to 175bhp.
The 1.6 petrol is a little underpowered for the weight, but the 2.0-litre with either 155 or 165bhp, is a delight - free revving and with a lovely soundtrack.
As well as the four-door saloon, there is also a Sportwagon estate worth £150-£300 more.
Interior
Full service history is a must, but later cars have beaten the reliability problems that plagued the car at first.
Equipment and comfort are excellent in the standard cars, and most upper end models have leather, air-con and a full electric pack.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 156
Price: Pay about £2,000 for an ‘03 03-reg Lusso, £2,800 for an ’05 05-reg Veloce.
Mechanical: 165bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 31
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 142g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Ford Mondeo