- Comfortable seats
- Improved refinement for Mk.II 166
- Gutless engine
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Vague steering
Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I 166 (1999-04)
Overview
Released in August 1999, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I 166 was an executive sedan. Initially manufactured at Alfa Romeo’s Rivalta plant in Italy, the front-wheel drive 166 was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed ‘Sportronic’ automatic transmission with a sequential shift function.
V6 Engine
The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Dimensions and suspension
The 166 was 4720 mm long, 1815 mm wide, 1416 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 166 had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166 | 3.0-litre petrol V6 (AR34301) |
4sp auto | 166 kW at 6200 rpm | 275 Nm at 5000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo 166 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. From February 2003, electronic stability control and traction control were standard (Alfa Romeo’s ‘Vehicle Dynamic Control’ and ‘Anti Slip Regulator’).
Brakes
The 166 had 308 mm diameter ventilated front brake discs and 276 mm solid rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the Alfa Romeo 166 included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, Momo leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated door mirrors, rear sun blinds, a trip computer, an immobiliser and alarm. From July 2000, the 166 was fitted with front seat memory settings and a remote control boot release.
June 2001: Alfa Romeo 166 update
The 166 underwent a minor update in June 2001 with updated interiors and revised engines to comply with Euro III emission standards; the 166 was also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres and revised suspension settings. Inside, the 166 now featured an 8 cm colour LCD screen as part of the ‘Integrated Control System’ (which also included a GSM digital mobile phone). Furthermore, the power adjustable driver’s seat had a three position memory function.
February 2003: Alfa Romeo 166 update
In February 2003, the 166 underwent a further update. In addition to electronic stability control and traction control (see above), the 166 was also fitted with xenon headlights and a woodgrain dashboard and steering wheel.
Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 166 (2004-08)
Overview
Released in August 2004, the Mk.II 166 introduced improved safety equipment, additional features and revised styling. The 3.0-litre V6 engine continued, but revisions saw peak power fall by 4 kW to 162 kW at 6200 rpm (though peak torque remained unchanged). Visually, the Mk.II 166 could be identified by its Alfa Romeo ‘shield’ grille, new headlights, front bumper and bonnet.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166 | 2004-06 | 3.0-litre petrol V6 (AR36101) |
4sp auto | 162 kW at 6200 rpm | 275 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| 166 Ti | 2006-08 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment was significantly improved with the introduction of full-length curtain airbags and brake assist.
Features
Standard features were also extended to include a 10 speaker sound system, bi-xenon headlights and memory settings for the front seats.
October 2006: Alfa Romeo 166 Ti
In October 2006, the 166 underwent an update with all models receiving additional features and branded as ‘Ti’ variants; additional features included 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a power sunroof and rear parking sensors.
