Alfa Romeo 166 2005 review

Alfa's entrant in what could be termed the medium luxury level is the 166, recently upgraded with a new look outside and changes to equipment and some mechanicals.

Other elements remain the same as before. It looks the business.

• V6 engine is raucous and unrefined compared with other offerings in the market. Needs the new GM-sourced V6 to move into the 21st century in NVH terms.
• Uses premium unleaded and consumes it at an average rate of about 13-14l/100km – about the same as a Falcon or Commodore 6.
• Weighs 1550kG – local manufacturers should pay attention.
• Four speed auto is awful, indecisive, easy to catch in the wrong cog, sometimes slow to respond, holds a gear too long. But sequential change is handy.
• Well equipped, pretty well nothing left off the luxury list which includes heated and electrically adjustable front seats, leather, climate control, cruise.
• Multiple air bags, ABS, and a version of ESP included in package.
• Full size spare.
• Steering wheel adjustment difficult to use – have to get out of the car.
• CD stacker is in the boot, cassette player (remember those) is in the dash. Good sound from audio.
• Five three point seat belts, roomy interior, large boot.
• Good on the freeway, obviously engineered as a grand tourer to eat kilometres on autostrada
• Handling and ride is impressive, not pin sharp like other smaller Alfas but predictable, quiet, stable. Has double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension
• Like the multi spoke 17in alloys, grippy rubber.
• Oldy worldy ambience in the cabin – showing its age after what must be close to a decade in production.
• Has commanding presence.

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