Alfa Romeo 156 Sportswagon 2004 Review

He just loves his Alfas but we have to admit to being a tad disappointed with Alfa's super stylish 156 Sportwagon, now with the excellent 2.0-litre JTS engine aboard.

It just didn't knock our socks off the way the sedan did.

Our test car was the five-speed manual version priced from $53,500. Selespeed auto adds $3000 to the price.

• 2.0-litre twin cam four cylinder engine delivers 121kW of power and 206Nm of torque, maximum torque from 3250rpm. JTS tag refers to Alfa's version of variable valve timing designed to produce more power while reducing fuel consumption.
• Performance is good without being earth-shattering. The wagon seems to take a little longer to get going than the sedan, but strangely turns in the same 0-100km/h figure of 8.2 seconds.
• Performance figures for the sedan and wagon are very close as are the dimensions and weight of the two vehicles. The wagon is only 11mm longer than the sedan and weighs just 50kg more.
• In day to day driving the wagon is a nimble thing, able to thread its way in and out of traffic easily and quick off the line. The engine likes to rev and it becomes apparent that revving it is the way to get the best out of it.
• Wagon is slightly more thirsty than the sedan at 8.9L/100km compared to 8.6, but both cars are still extremely light sippers – gratifying for a performance car.
• The wagon has been re-styled by "Designer of the Century" Giorgetto Giugiaro. The front has been completely restyled forward of the A-pillar with a grille that is bigger and features new headlights. Lower bumper area is also narrower than the previous version.
• We particularly liked the interior treatment in our test car, with its tan leather upholstery. Seats were comfy and the inside has a nice old world feel.
• Safety is enhanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Motor Speed Regulator (MSR) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) – all of which are standard.
• Six airbags are also standard – window air bags joining the front air bags and the side impact airbags fitted in the sides of the front seats.
• Alfa appears to have got placement of the foot pedals right with this one. They are right where the should be, instead of offset to the left.