- Free-revving Twin Spark engines sound great
- Precise steering
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- Twin Spark engines lack low-rev response
- Suspension noise
- Lower profile tyres for 156 Selespeed detract from ride quality
Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 Sportwagon (2000-02)
Overview
Released in August 2000, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 was available as a compact executive ‘Sportwagon’ or sedan (the 156 sedan has has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive 156 Sportwagon range initially consisted of 2.0 Twin Spark variants which were available with five-speed manual and semi-automatic (Alfa Romeo’s ‘Selespeed’) transmissions.
Twin Spark engine
The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder ‘Twin Spark’ engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Twin Spark engines were so-called because one spark plug was positioned in the centre of the cylinder, with a second spark plug positioned at the very edge of the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves.
Dimensions and suspension
The 156 Sportwagon was 4430 mm long, 1745 mm wide, 1420 mm tall and had a 2595 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 156 Sportwagon had double wishbone front suspension and MacPherson strut rear suspension.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Twin Spark | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (AR32301) |
5sp man., 5sp Selespeed |
114 kW at 6400 rpm | 187 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard 156 Sportwagon features included a six speaker Phillips-VDO stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a wooden steering wheel and gear lever, remote central locking, power windows and heated door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, a double-sided luggage floor, remote opening rear hatch, retractable luggage cover, cargo nets, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.
Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 Sportwagon (2002-03)
Overview
Released in August 2002, the Mk.II 156 introduced improved safety equipment, additional features, new engines and a subtle facelift. The 2.0 Twin Spark was replaced by the more powerful 2.0 JTS; the 2.0-litre JTS (‘Jet Thrust Stoichiometric’) four-cylinder petrol engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1.
Visually, the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon could be identified by its side skirts, colour-coded exterior mirrors and rubber bumper strips, roof-mounted aerial and brighter alloy wheels.
Inside, the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon featured a new steering wheel (with stereo controls), new centre console with Alfa Romeo InfoCentre (an LCD screen which provided trip computer and temperature read-outs), Blaupunkt audio system and imitation metal finish for the centre console.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 JTS | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (937A1.000) |
5sp man., 5sp Selespeed |
121 kW at 6400 rpm | 206 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.II 156 Sportwagon was significantly improved due to the fitment of curtain airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control.
Features
Additional standard features consisted of leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, headlights washers and trip computer.
Related links
Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 Sportwagon (2003-06)
Overview
Released in November 2003, the Mk.III 156 Sportwagon introduced styling changes, an upgraded interior and minor suspension changes, with a new vacuum cast aluminium cross member at the rear and more compliant suspension mounts.
Visually, the Mk.III 156 Sportwagon could be identified by its larger grille, narrower front bumper, new head- and tail-lights. Inside, there was a new leather-trimmed fascia with multifunction display and integrated stereo; buyers also had a choice of three special-order colour combinations: black on beige, black on grey and dark grey on light grey.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 JTS | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (937A1.000) |
5sp man., 5sp Selespeed |
121 kW at 6400 rpm | 206 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Features
Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, standard features for the Mk.III 156 Sportwagon were largely unchanged
Brochure
Related links
