Review: Alfa Romeo 156 sedan (1999-06)

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 sedan (1999-02)

Overview

Released in February 1999, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 156 was available as a compact executive sedan or wagon (please note that the 156 Sportwagon has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive 156 range initially consisted of 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 variants, powered by 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol engines, respectively. In 2002, 2.5 V6 Monza editions were released with six-speed manual transmissions.

Twin Spark and JTS engines

Of the engines,

• 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; and,
• The 2.5-litre V6 had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.3:1.

While the 2.0 Twin Spark was available with five-speed manual and semi-automatic transmissions (Alfa Romeo’s ‘Selespeed’), the 2.5 V6 was offered with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions and suspension

The 156 sedan was 4430 mm long, 1745 mm wide, 1415 mm tall and had a 2595 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 156 had double wishbone front suspension and MacPherson strut rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo  156 included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. From May 2000, front side airbags were fitted as standard.

Features: 156 Twin Spark and V6

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo 156 Twin Spark included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, a ski port, wooden steering wheel and gear lever, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment and an immobiliser.

The Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 was further equipped with leather upholstery.

156 Limited Edition

In January 2000, Limited Edition models of the 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 were released; all were fitted with Momo leather upholstery and a six-disc CD player, while the 2.0 Twin Spark Limited Edition also gained 16-inch alloy wheels.

May 2000: Alfa Romeo 156 update

In May 2000, the 156 underwent a minor update; in addition to side airbags, standard features were improved to include a Phillips-VDO stereo. In June 2000, however, leather upholstery was made standard for the 2.5 V6.

2000 Alfa Romeo 156 Monza editions

In July 2000, the range was expanded with the introduction of the Monza editions; available in both the 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 variants, the Monza editions were distinguished by their unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low profile 205/16 tyres, leather upholstery (for the 2.0 Twin Spark), leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, side skirts and red-on-black instrumentation.

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 sedan (2002-03)

Overview

Released in August 2002, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 introduced improved safety equipment, additional features, new engines and a subtle facelift. The 2.0 Twin Spark was replaced by the direct-injection 2.0 JTS, while a range-topping 3.2 V6 GTA was also introduced.

JTS and V6 engines

Of the new engines,

• The 2.0-litre JTS (‘Jet Thrust Stoichiometric’) engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1; and,
• The 3.2-litre had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Identification

Visually, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 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 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. As a result of the improved equipment levels, the Monza and Sport editions were discontinued.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.II 156 was significantly improved due to the fitment of curtain airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control.

The 3.2 V6 GTA was also fitted with 305 mm by 32 mm ventilated front discs with twin-piston Brembo calipers and 276 mm by 10mm rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features

Additional standard features consisted of leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, headlights washers and trip computer.

The 3.2 V6 GTA was differentiated by its firmer suspension, Michelin tyres, faster steering ratio and drilled aluminium pedals.

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 (August 2002)
• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 156 GTA (August 2002)

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 sedan (2003-06)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 sedan introduced updated styling and a revised range as the 3.2 V6 GTA was discontinued. The suspension was also revised with a new vacuum cast aluminium cross member at the rear and more compliant suspension mounts.

Visually, the Mk.III 156 could be identified by its larger grille, narrower front bumper, new head- and tail-lights and a new boot lid. 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.

Features

Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, standard features for the Mk.III 156 sedan were largely unchanged.

Brochure

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 and 156 Sportwagon (February 2004)

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Mk.III 156 (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo 156