Alfa Romeo 156 - Taking another look

If you've never owned or driven a 156 this may make you want one.

Why is it that when you search out reviews for the Alfa Romeo 156, that you sometimes com across some drivel that doesn't accurately reflect the car? This doesn't just affect the 156 - it affects nearly all Italian cars, even Ferrari are not immune. You wonder why the Porsche 911 beat Ferrari in so many magazine tests? I'd argue it didn't on any overall experience level. The problem comes from wearing a certain type of spectacle when you go to write about a product, or more importantly a brand. 

How many people have something nice to say about FIAT? (Unless they own them).

I'm not quite sure what causes even great Italian cars to end up diminished as time goes by. Granted, the real greats are almost immune, but take a look at many good, very good and even brilliant Italian cars and they seemingly get worse as time passes. Take for example the 156. When it came out this is what Autocar had to say about it...

It's helpful to have the JTD there - this was the era when you could almost say with confidence that an a Naturally Aspirated engine would be much faster than a larger Turbo Diesel.  It was also the era when people scoffed at the idea of the Diesel Alfa. I would never have done it. I hate the things. But they did make arguably the worlds first characterful diesel engine.

This was before the GTA arrived. This was a car that Evo magazine gave 4.5/5 when they first reviewed. Somewhat bizarrely later that went to 3.5 Stars later (perhaps on that day the certain type of spectacles were in place). That is where it stayed. The opinion of Evo is particularly important, as they are well regarded as employing experienced journalists most of whom have raced cars and know what mix of elements makes an Evo car. That's why the GTA got 4.5 Stars. This car has now fallen from grace in "The Knowledge" and is no longer listed. However they do list the Range Rover Evoque. Go figure that one out and let me know when you do please !

Whatcar, in a review which I can't see a date on, but it's fairly recent, now only give this previous Car of the Year just 2 / 5 and they say "Unfortunately, it can't match the grip or composure of a BMW 3 Series in corners, and its ride is too knobbly." However right before that they say "The 156's is one of the best, and the car topped its class in the 2000 and 2001 What Car? Comfort Tests."

It reads like a cheap shot across the bow with a hyperlink to the latest 3 Series. When the 156 came out the E36 3 Series was of the time. The 156 features high double wishbone front suspension, with excellent camber control and roll centre control,  quick rack steering and a multilink rear that means understeer is something you'll struggle to find. The steering is pin sharp and the double wishbone delivers a great ride (they do though eat wishbones - only buy genuine parts) by separating strut tower from the steering axis. A common foible of MacPherson strut used in competitive products. 

In short a 2.0 156 will run rings around and E36 and the later E46. OK the GTA never eclipsed the E46 M3 but that doesn't mean it isn't more fun to drive. It sounds a lot better that is certain.

So take up the challenge - if you go looking you'll find the truth is out there, but it gets forgotten about. 

Just think of a car 10 years old or more from Italy, read some current reviews, then go and read the reviews back then. This doesn't just affect Italian Brands. It killed Rover Group. What do most of you think of the MGF? Probably not a lot.

It was a better car than the MX5, stiffer chassis, better Kinematics, more grip, faster and safer.

Don't take my word this is what Autocar said... long since forgotten nowadays.

They are cheap, like any non-GTA 156 right now - so get yourself a bargain, before these and other cars get remembered the way they were. Limone Racconta, who successfully ran the 155 and 156 Touring Car winners felt the 156 was the true succesor to the Alfasud. If you've never driven either you'll find the 156 much easier to find...for now.