Alfa Romeo Problems

The 156 has a powerful stance emphasised by its muscular shoulders and bold front and rear treatments. The 156's heartbeat came from a 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine with twin spark plugs and four valves per cylinder or a 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft V6.With the 2.0-litre engine the 156 would reach 216km/h if pressed, having reached 100km/h in about 8.5 seconds, while the V6 would sprint to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds and had a top speed of 230km/h.Those who chose the twin-spark four could pick between a five-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed auto; those who opted for the V6 could have either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto. An automated shift manual gearbox, Selespeed, could also be ordered for even more fun on the run.Final drive was through the front wheels, which was a disappointing departure from tradition for some Alfa enthusiasts, who treasured the wonderfully exhilarating handling of earlier rear-wheel drive cars like the 105 GTVs. But anyone who was able to get over the disappointment found the 156's handling was just as thrilling as older Alfas despite front-wheel drive.Double-wishbone suspension was employed at the front with an independent MacPherson Strut layout at the rear. It had a balance and precision that made it a joy to drive on the open road. Brakes were disc all round overlaid with ABS and electronic brake distribution.Entry to the Italian club came via the Twin Spark Sedan, which had airconditioning, ABS, dual airbags, adjustable steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, immobiliser, velour trim and carpets, power steering and a host of other features.You could also choose the 156 Sport, which added power Recaro seats, sports trim, instruments and carbon fibre dash trim.If you stepped up to the V6 you got alloy wheels in place of the steel wheels on the Twin Spark, as well as the V6 engine and the option of the six-speed gearbox. Perched atop the range was the Monza, which was available as a Twin Spark or V6, and added leather trim to the package.IN THE SHOPThe latest generation of Alfas seems less prone to niggly problems than some predecessors. There were issues with poor radio reception on early cars, but that was about the extent of the dramas.Most 156s are owned by people prepared to lavish affection on them and ensure they are well serviced. Even so, check for a service record and make sure no corners have been cut. Generally, the 156 seems to remain rattle-free, but the quality of interior fittings suggests they might suffer in the long term.CRUNCH TIMEAgile handling and powerful ABS-equipped brakes give the 156 a great primary safety package, while dual airbags provide good crash protection when a collision is unavoidable. Standard side-front airbags added to the secondary protection from 2000.OWNERS' VIEWSCarol Sainsbery says her 2.5 V6 manual looks stylish, has a user-friendly cabin with comfortable seats, and is a dream car to drive.Rick FitzGerald says his 2001 Monza has been a great car. He loves the engine, the Momo leather interior, the gearshift and the handling but he's not so keen on the front-wheel drive and the aircon, which struggles on hot days.ALFA ROMEO 156 99-02Smooth powerful engineSlick manual gearshiftExcellent road holdingClassic Italian stylingCheck for service recordWell-equipped interiorRATING16/20 Good-looking sports sedan goes and handles well and stands out from the crowd 

The Italian maker seems incapable of designing one that's mere transport, injecting a special flavour into even machines that would be built as “ordinary” cars by others.The Alfa Romeo 156 has the convenience of four doors, not the two you'd expect from its sporting coupe shape. The back doors are so cunningly disguised that many don't even realise they are there. Look at the shut lines, then at the handles pretending to be air vents and you'll see what we mean.Once you've opened the rear door, try the back seat for size, as it's not the biggest in the business. Indeed, the seat is probably best left for children or smallish adults. Big boofy Aussie blokes won't be happy back there.The 156 has been on the Australian market since February 1999 in sedan format; the wagon arrived in August 2000. In October 2003 it got a major facelift that led to the traditional Alfa shield grille becoming considerably larger and sitting right down into the bumper. The tail was beefed out and a bit more brightwork added to the body.Nevertheless, the original model still remains striking in its styling.The 156 has sold strongly from day one and a good number are on the used-car market. Take your time to shop between them, as there seems to be quite a variation in condition from best to worst.The boot is also on the small side for a family car. The station wagon's load area is a bit of a joke, if you regard it as being a full wagon, but makes more sense if you think of it as a coupe-wagon.Steering that communicates everything to the driver with plenty of detail on which they can make their next decision further enhances lovely handling and gives a huge amount of road grip. Few family sedans cry out to be taken for a run on your favourite bit of road early on a Sunday morning but this Alfa just loves that sort of outing.An ultra-hot, ultra-expensive 156 GTA joined the range in August 2002. With a 3.2-litre V6, six-speed close-ratio manual box, big body kit, extra large wheels, tyres and brakes it's a real delight to drive. Look out for torque steer, though, as it can try to take control of the wheel at times.The GTA was expensive, didn't sell all that well and was discontinued in June 2004.Alfa Romeo is firmly re-established in Australia. There are a reasonable number of dealers, both official dealers and independent operators. Alfa dealers tend to be concentrated in the major population centres and scarce in the bush.Servicing and spare parts prices are about average for this class. You can do some of the routine, non-safety items yourself but the bonnet isn't the easiest under which to work.Insurance can be expensive, so make inquiries before falling head over heels in love with this Italian masterpiece.The 156 was replaced by the Alfa 159 in June 2006. The 159 is significantly larger and its introduction may not have the usual adverse effect on resale values that often occurs when a similar new model supersedes an old one.Under the bonnetPower is provided by either Alfa's four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine or its upgrade to JTS specification midway through 2002. The latter is the one to go for because not only has it even more response than the earlier unit but also uses less fuel at the same time. There's also a 2.5-litre V6. In the Italian manner, the four-cylinder is the sporting engine, the V6 the luxury cruising unit.Many find the Selespeed automated manual transmission frustratingly slow-changing and harsh, especially in the lower gears when it's being used in the automatic setting, designated “city”. It's better to go for a conventional manual (to our way of thinking) but you may learn to tolerate the Selespeed if you're doing a lot of heavy-traffic work.When specified with a self-shifting transmission, the Alfa 156's V6 gets a semi-sequential four-speed, fully automatic unit. When used in automatic mode it's smooth and quiet in operation.Danger signsThese new generation Alfas are much better built than the older models. However, they can still fall into the hands of bad drivers and their very nature means they cry out to be driven hard.Look for body repairs. Most are easily spotted by mismatched paint on adjacent panels, uneven gaps between panels, paint overspray on non-painted parts and ripples in what should be smooth metal.Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly from the moment it gets going. Naturally, the V6 will be smoother than the four. Engine performance from the 2.0-litre Twin Spark unit isn't great but if it seems below par, it could be suspect. The JTS is a significantly better unit.A manual gearbox that isn't light in its action could be due for repair. Do some fast changes from third down to second and feel for a reluctance to shift — or for funny noises.During the road test look for steering that wanders and feel for brakes that don't pull the car up evenly.By all means do your own checkout to the best of your ability but always call on a professional for the final say. 

Italian cars have long been high on style and performance, but they have also always come with lingering doubts about their build quality   and reliability.  The current crop of models, like the Alfa Romeo 147, promise the same tantalising mix of looks and speed, and the claim that the bad old days are now well and truly buried in the past.But are they really any better than those old models that caused their owners so much heartache?MODEL WATCH Alfa Romeo is a long established, well-respected sports car manufacturer with a proud racing history dating back almost 100 years.  Today, it's part of the Fiat empire, along with the other great Italian brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia, and Fiat.The 147 was part of a new thrust of models designed to breathe new energy into the brand.  It was an attractive, flamboyantly styled small hatch with a choice of three and five-door body styles.There could be no mistaking the 147 with the bold 'Quadrifoglio' badge atop a grille that was instantly recognisable as an Alfa signature.While pretty by hatch standards the 147 came with a few compromises.  It had a high waistline, thick pillars, a large centre headrest and a   smallish rear window, all of which restricted the driver's vision and made the cabin somewhat dark and gloomy.Inside, it boasted heavily contoured, supportive front seats. Those in the rear, however, found themselves a little cramped, and luggage   space was limited.  The interior appointments tended to be fiddly more than practical, but looked good.With large alloy wheels filling out the wheel arches located at each corner the 147 had a bold presence that spelt 'fun at the wheel'.There was a choice of two engines, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'Twin Spark' engine and a 3.2-litre V6.At its peak the 2.0-litre four was putting out 110 kW and 181 Nm, enough to make it a fun drive without being sizzling.  Buyers of the 2.0-litre could have the standard five-speed manual gearbox, or the semi-auto clutchless sequential shift Selespeed five- speed transmission.The V6 GTA, with 184 kW and 400 Nm, was a real excitement machine.  Transmission choices with this engine were a six-speed manual or a   six-speed Selespeed gearbox.IN THE SHOP Alfas are generally sound, but they can be frustrating with niggling little problems.  Look for oil leaks around the engine and transmission, also inspect for coolant leaks.Brake wear can be an issue, expect to replace pads and rotors more regularly than on other cars.  The cam belt on the 2.0-litre must be replaced every 60,000 km or three years, ignore it and there's a good chance it would break and cause major internal damage to the engine.It's perhaps best to dodge the Selespeed transmission; it can give trouble, and can be expensive to repair, and it's not that pleasant to drive anyway.  Look for signs of being driven hard and walk away if it appears a car has been abused or even used in motorsport events.Regular service is important with the 147, so check for a reliable service record.IN A CRASHThe 147 was quite well equipped with safety gear from the beginning.   Even the 2001 models had electronic stability control and dual front, side and curtain airbags standard.  Despite this impressive array of safety equipment the 147 only rated three stars under the NCAP testing regime.UNDER THE PUMP The 147's fuel consumption can be closely linked to the way it is driven. If driven conservatively it will sip fuel at the relatively economical rate of around 8.0 L/100 km, but driven enthusiastically it will guzzle as much as 11 L/100 km.OWNER'S SAY Tammy McLeod bought her 2004 147 last year as a Christmas present to herself and adores it. The moment she sat in it she knew she had to have it. It had 43,000 km on the clock, the paint wasn't too bad, and she reckons it was a bit of a bargain at $17,000. She loves its fast and immediate response when she plants her right foot. She also loves the handling. Tammy now considers herself an Alfa aficionado.LOOK FORStylish looksFive-door practicalityRestricted visibilitySpirited enginesResponsive chassisAgile handlingPoor resaleTHE BOTTOM LINEGood looking and great driving, but the dark cloud of unreliability still hangs over the brand.

YOU'VE almost got to wonder, who buys all those cars? To say nothing of the SUVs and commercial jiggers.  Private owners and fleets bought almost 81,500 new vehicles last month. Of course, the usual suspects - Holden, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Hyundai - do most business among the 50 or so brands on offer. But for every no-brainer buy there's an overlooked, if not unloved, model sitting on the lot.If you fancy a bit of vive la difference, we've unearthed some hidden treasures whose lack of popularity ought to compel the sales people to do a deal for you.Alfa Romeo 159Sales in April: 29Price:$49,990-$82,990THOUGH a non-starter in the premium sales stakes led by zer Chermans, Alfa's now five-year-old midsize sedan and wagon will be with us for another two years.Upgrades have seen it shed a bit of lard and get a six-speed automatic that works with it, as opposed to behaving like a transplanted organ the body's rejecting. Most 159s sold now are TI editions with lowered suspension and lustrous, but eminently kerbable, 19-inch alloys.Hardly the sharpest tool in the shed but, my, isn't she lovely? Gorgeous, actually.  Standard equipment levels are high, so put the acid on the dealer for a good driveaway deal.* Our choice: 2.4 JTDm auto sportwagonCitroen C5Sales in April: 16Price: $45,990-$72,990DESPITE its dashing appearance, the driving reality of this almost entirely diesel line-up can be considered exciting only if you accept boules as an extreme sport. It ain't sportif, but that's the point.What it does, in its Gallic shrugging way, is provide a classically wafty Citroen ride in a package that looks equally at home in Paris, Provence or Parramatta. The 3.0 twin turbo V6 oiler would convert an avowed petrolhead but, in Australia's Third World road conditions, isn't sufficiently superior to the 2.0-litre four potter to justify the price.* Our choice: 2.0 HDi ComfortFiat 500Sales in April: 25Price: $22,990-$33,990THING is, everyone who wants a mini 2+2 convertible goes for, well, a Mini. The irresistible new Bambino now comes with a rag top, in addition to its more stalwart though hardly less cute coupe siblings.Indeed, how much cute can you cope with? Given its level of kit and customisation options, the 500 is as much a bite-sized luxury car as a city-friendly commuting device.The current lack of an auto option in all versions across the range keeps sales to niche levels but, hey, this is a compact Italian job. Over there, even the most venerable nonna can handle a stick shift. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Fix-It-Again-Tony days are way behind Fiat.* Our choice: 1.4 Lounge manualHonda Civic HybridSales: 75-80 (since January)Price: $34,490WHILE Toyota's Prius is effectively a synonym for petrol-electric propulsion, the cheaper Honda not only looks like a car it drives like one, while returning a potential 4.6 litres per 100km. Sales are down a bit at the moment, as petrol prices are too, but an oil price spike is certain at some point. If you want a green car that doesn't make you look like Clover Moore, act soon.* Our choice: There is but oneSkoda SuperbSales in April: 6Price: From $39,990MAYBE the long Czech liftback and now wagon is just too close in essence and price to its VW Passat sibling. Maybe we don't yet "get'' big cars with small but highly efficient engines (though there's a diesel and a V6 petrol variant as well). Maybe it's a cold war hangover.Whatever it is, we're wrong. With a price realignment, the Superb offers better value, more kit, lots of space and lusher feel than the VW. It won Top Gear's luxury car of the year; the previous winner was a Rolls-Royce, for heaven's sake.* Our choice: Got to be the 1.8 turbo petrol wagon

There was a time you could pick a car’s country of origin by its styling, the way it drove, steered and braked. Cars seemed to have a unique character that stemmed from the culture of the country that produced it, none more so than Italian cars that had a certain flair that came from the Latin passion of the Italian people.Cars from Germany, France, England and America all had quite distinctive character traits that were a reflection of their country of origin.Globalisation has changed the face of the auto industry. Now that car makers have expanded beyond their national borders and are making cars with a world flavour those national characteristics that made particular cars stand out from the crowd have largely been eliminated from the business.One country that seems to have been less affected by globalisation than any other is Italy, which still produces cars that have a distinctive Italian flavour. One such car is the Alfa Romeo 156.In a time when cars are becoming more and more homogenised, the Alfa 156 stands out.Alfa’s traditional grille marks it out as a product of Turin to start with, but there can be no mistaking the taut flowing lines that could only have come from Italy.With its wheels placed at the corners the 156 has a powerful stance emphasised by its muscular shoulders and bold front and rear treatments.If styling is an important part of any Italian car, the engine is equally as important, it’s the heart that gives the car so much of its individual character.The 156’s heartbeat came from a 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine with twin spark plugs and four valves per cylinder or a 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft V6.With the 2.0-litre engine the 156 would reach 216 km/h if pressed, having reached 100 km/h in around 8.5 seconds, while the V6 would sprint to 100 km/h in 7.3 secs and had a top speed of 230 km/h.Those who chose the twin-spark four could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed auto; those who opted for the V6 could have either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto. A automated shift manual gearbox — Selespeed — could also be ordered for even more fun on the run.Final drive was through the front wheels, which was a disappointing departure from tradition for some Alfa enthusiasts who treasured the wonderfully exhilarating handling of earlier rear-wheel drive cars like the old 105 GTVs.But anyone who was able to get over the disappointment found the 156’s handling was just as thrilling as older Alfas despite the front-wheel drive.Double wishbone suspension was employed at the front with an independent MacPherson Strut layout at the rear. On the road it had a balance and precision that made it a joy to drive on the open road.Brakes were disc all round overlaid with ABS and EBD electronic brake distribution for optimum braking efficiency.The Alfa 156 came packed with standard features that befitted its place in the prestige segment of the market.Entry to the Italian club came via the Twin Spark Sedan, which had air-conditioning, ABS, dual airbags, adjustable steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, immobiliser, velour trim and carpets, power steering and a host of other features.You could also choose the 156 Sport, which added power Recaro seats, sports trim, instruments and carbon fibre dash trim.If you stepped up to the V6 you got alloy wheels in place of the steel wheels on the Twin Spark, as well as the V6 engine and the option of the six-speed gearbox.Perched atop the range was the Monza, which was available as a Twin Spark or V6, and added leather trim to the package.Owners of Italian cars have often had to be forgiving when their cars were often temperamental. They would often forgive them their sins for the sheer enjoyment of the driving pleasure.The latest generation of Alfas it seems are less prone to niggly problems as some of their predecessors.There were issues with poor radio reception on early cars, but that was about the extent of the dramas.Most 156s are owned by people prepared to lavish affection on them and ensure they are well serviced. Even so check for a service record and make sure no corners have been cut.Generally the 156 seems to remain rattle free, but the quality of interior fittings suggest that they might suffer in the long term when these parts may deteriorate and begin to loosen and fall apart as those of older Italian cars were prone to do.Agile handling and powerful ABS-equipped brakes give the 156 a great primary safety package, while dual airbags provide good crash protection when a collision is unavoidable. Standard side front airbags added to the secondary protection from 2000.Carol Sainsbery says her 2.5 V6 manual looks stylish, has a user friendly cabin with comfortable seats, and is a dream car to drive.Rick Fitzgerald says his 2001 Monza has been a great car . He loves the engine, the Momo leather interior, the styling, the gearshift and the handling. He’s not so keen on the front-wheel drive, the lack of cup holders, and the air-con, which struggles on hot days and reckons the plastics could fit better.Salv Pupillo has driven 125,000 km in his 1999 Twin Spark sedan and says every day has been a pleasure. He recalls the day he was invited by a dealer to thelaunch of the 156 and he was so impressed he decided it would be his next car. Six and a half years later he looks forward to many more pleasurable years before the inevitable update to a newer 156.Peter Coumaros dreamed of driving and owning an Alfa Romeo when he was student. He had to wait almost 30 years before realising his dream own one, but is now onto his third. He says it’s an addiction that’s very hard to describe to someone who has never driven an Alfa. The 156 V6 is pure pleasure, a “piece of art" on wheels. The V6 is fantastic and responsive.Stephen Vincent bought his Twin Spark manual in 1999. He has found it to be extremely reliable and a pleasure to drive. His only problem has been a computer failure, and his only criticism is the large turning circle.• classic Italian styling• smooth powerful engines• beautifully slick manual gearshift• excellent road holding• well equipped with every featureGood looking sports sedan goes and handles well and stands out from the crowd.