Alfa Romeo 156

This product includes the mid-size Alfa Romeo sedan: The 156 was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the successor to the Alfa Romeo 155. Assembled at the Fiat Group factory in Pomigliano d'Arco, southern Italy, the car was a great success for the brand, and from 1997 to 2005 680,000 units were produced. The 156 was considered one of the best cars of its time. These included the first generation of pre-restyled models (932 series) with the 1.6 L MT T.Spark engine, produced from October 1997 to March 2002.

Specifications

Number of seating places

For 4 persons

Fastest speed

200 km/h

Motor power

88 kW

Mass

1.39 tons

Performance

1997-2007

Transmission

Mechanical 5-speed

Drive

Front

Fuel

Gasoline

Fuel system

Injectors

Power reserve

550-970 km

Acceleration up to 100 km/h

11 seconds.

About the model.

The 156 was designed at the Alfa Romeo Style Center under the direction of head designer Walter de Silva. Styling is characterized by large curved wings, retro front door handles, hidden rear door handles, deep grille, and a wide shape. All this made it one of the most beautiful cars in its class: the 156 was one of the first sedans with hidden rear door handles. The design of this model was influenced by the Alfa Romeo 1900, Giulietta and Giulia. The body of the 932nd series achieved an aerodynamic drag of 0.31.

The unique Alfa Code protection system, height-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, velour mats, three-level control dashboard illumination, ABS and EBD, driver and front passenger airbags, optional stop light, height-adjustable headlights, height-adjustable head restraints and more are available as standard. Air conditioning, single zone climate control, and side airbags could also be retrofitted. In addition, the 156 was offered with additional option packs (e.g. Sport Pack) and country packs, e.g. for cold weather.

In 2001, engine power was reduced to meet Euro 3 standards, and 2.5-liter engine power was increased to 141 kW. The key to the vehicle was made foldable, a trunk release button was added to the center lock, and the trunk lid was stripped of the lock that was hidden under the emblem. The model was redesigned twice in 2002 and 2003.

Evaluation.

Many Russian experts note that the quality has significantly improved compared to previous models. Corrosion problems are a thing of the past, and problems with electronics have been eliminated by installing new, more reliable wiring. One of the features - dynamism and behavior on the track. The Celespeed robotic box responds quickly in manual mode and switches quickly and clearly in automatic mode without jerks. In terms of reliability, the Alfa Romeo 156 is not inferior to the 147th and hardy 166th model. Of the minuses - the model is not very popular in the post-Soviet space, because there are no cheap Chinese parts, and the main components are assembled by Italian and German manufacturers.

In 1998, an international jury of 56 journalists from 21 countries awarded Alfa Romeo 156 the European Car of the Year award. The 156, like its predecessor, the 155, was a success in motorsport. She has also been popular in television series, films and video games. This success was due to Alfa Romeo's distinctive design, success in motorsport, and official use by the Italian police.