alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)

Transcription

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Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Dec 1997 Class: Large cars
New price: - Used price: From £1,095
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
★★★★★
★★★
★★★★
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
★★
★★
Reliability:
-
Total score:
-
Stylish, with the Sportwagon a great-looking estate car. Agile handling and good performance. Frugal, powerful diesel engines.
Weird pedal positioning for the driver and an uncomfortable rear seat. Small boot opening, and the Sportwagon’s hardly a load-lugger. Alfa Romeos haven’t had a great track record.
Recommended models
in the range
Which? Car Top Choice Model
2.4 JTD 20v Multijet Veloce 5dr
New price: Used price: £1,925
Fastest Model
3.2 V6 24V GTA Selespeed 5dr
6.3 secs
0-62mph:
Most Efficient Model
1.9 JTD TI 4dr
Combined fuel economy:
48.7 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new
New price:
Overview
The 156 was a big success for Alfa Romeo in the UK. Its blend of style, practicality and
performance won many buyers over. With the 156, Alfa managed to show that practical doesn’t have to mean boring; the 156
is a family-sized car with more than a hint of sporting intent. However, ownership isn’t as
straightforward as for some of its competitors, and you may need to budget for big servicing
and repair bills.
Besides the four-door saloon with clever ‘hidden’ door handles, which give the
appearance of a coupe-style body, there’s the Sportwagon estate which looks great - but
actually has no more bootspace than the saloon. There’s also a wide choice of engines, from
the lively 1.6-litre petrol to the 2.5 V6 and the 156 GTA’s 250bhp 3.2 V6, with 1.9 and 2.4-litre
diesels giving a variety of outputs. The 156 sold well and there are plenty to choose from secondhand; you can afford to be
picky about specification and condition, as it’s a buyer’s market. Without exception, the engines provide eager performance; even the base model 1.6 feels
lively from the get-go, although it can feel a bit strained at higher speeds. The diesels are the
real jewels in the crown – early 5-cylinder 2.4 JTDs provide huge amounts of torque (205 lb.ft)
and the later 1.9 JTD is a worthy replacement. Petrol engines are badged TS (Twin Spark, with
two spark plugs per cylinder) or JTS (denoting direct injection). The specification levels are also distinctive; entry-level versions are badged Turismo, and
are nonetheless well-equipped, with Lusso pretty luxurious, and Veloce models having all the
necessary sporty trimmings. -
Cheapest Model to buy used
1.6 TS 4dr
Used price:
£1,095
Cheapest Model to Run (new)
New price: Running costs: (3 years/36,000 miles)
Owner’s View
People laugh at me for
owning it but I cry for them
because their cars all seem
the same to me.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
On the road
How we test
The 156 offers the best of both worlds - sporty handing with a compliant ride - but you do need
to choose your wheel/tyre combinations carefully. Try before you buy, as some of the options
are uncompromisingly firm-riding and teeth-rattling. Performance
★★★★★
We’ve tried three engines in the 156: two diesels and a petrol.
Earlier diesel 156s were only offered with the 2.4 JTD 5-cylinder engine, but this was later
joined by the 1.9 JTD 4-cylinder unit. The updated 2.4 JTD in post-2002 cars is extremely
powerful, especially in 20-valve form with a high power output of 175bhp. It’s surprisingly
smooth, with lots of power in reserve for safe overtaking, and there’s almost no vibration
transmitted into the cabin during normal use.
The 1.9 JTD we tried was the 8-valve with 115bhp (in the Sportwagon bodystyle).
Performance is still fairly brisk, although not as impressive as the 2.4’s. Vibration is still wellsuppressed, and flexibility is good.
Both diesel cars suffer from a fairly sharp clutch – be careful not to stall when pulling away
from rest. Both the diesels we tested use a six-speed gearbox, with first and second gears
which are a touch ‘short’, meaning changing up very early. Luckily, sixth gear allows relaxed
cruising.
Of the petrol cars, we’ve only assessed the 2.0 JTS saloon, but it’s smooth and responsive
– provided you’re in the right rev range. Flexibility at very low revs is a bit lacking, though no
worse than that of other 2.0-litre petrol competitors of its time. This engine has a five-speed
manual gearbox as standard, which shifts cleanly and allows for fairly quiet cruising.
Model tested
diesel 1.9JTD (105bhp) manual 5dr estate
(2000)
diesel 2.4JTD (175bhp) manual 4dr (2003)
petrol 2.0JTS (165bhp) manual 4dr (2002)
Performance
Acceleration (37-62mph)
9.3 secs
4.3 secs
5.1 secs
Ride comfort
Rating
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
★★★
The ride from the sportingly taut suspension set-up is surprisingly forgiving, though some of
the optional wheels and tyres do make it much, much harsher. Model tested
diesel 1.9JTD (105bhp) manual 5dr estate (2000)
Rating
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
We use the sophisticated electronic timing
equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Ride comfort
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
★★★★
Handling
The 156 handles very well. The steering is sharp and gives the driver some feedback on what
the front wheels are doing. Look for models fitted with electronic stability control (ESC), which
Alfa calls VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control).
Model tested
Rating
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
On-the-limit handling is explored well
away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Brakes
★★★★
Brakes
Brakes on the diesel cars performed better than the petrol version, though the difference is
subtle and nothing to worry about – it’s probably a result of the higher kerbweight of the oilburning models, requiring greater braking capacity. Braking behaviour is safe and predictable,
and the 156 pulls up predictably while maintaining a straight line.
Model tested
(2000)
Braking distance (62-0mph)
43.5m
Rating
★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★
38.0m
38.0m
Refinement and noise
★★★★
Refinement and noise
Diesel 156s are understandably noisier than the petrol versions, but they’re comparable to the
competitors of the time. Wind and road noise are well-insulated, although versions with large
wheels and low-profile tyres do transmit more road roar into the cabin.
On the while, the 156 has a pleasantly laid-out cabin, with some use of quality materials on
show. There are a few niggles though, such as the boot release button on the key fob, which
can be accidentally activated while starting the engine.
Model tested
The Which? Car braking test measures
stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Cruising noise
69dB
68dB
68dB
Rating
★★★
★★★★
★★★★
The Which? Car experts use a decibel
meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
★★★
Cabin and controls
Aside from a few minor reservations about the pedal placement, the layout of the 156 is logical
and comfortable. You might struggle to find some minor controls though, such as the small
heated rear window button and electric mirror adjuster.
Model tested
Rating
★★★
★★★
★★★
We penalise cars with difficult controls,
and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Visibility and parking
★★
Visibility and parking
The view outward from the 156 is quite good, with most drivers being able to correctly judge
the front and rear extremities of the body. Some drivers might complain that the rear view
mirrors are a touch too small. Parking sensors were an option on some models.
Model tested
Turning circle
12.6m
12.6m
11.4m
Rating
★★
★★
★★
Visibility is a major issue for motorists
today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s
eye view and any obscured areas.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
Comfort and practicality
How we test
As large cars go, the 156 is reasonably practical, although the design approach favours style
over usability. It’s less awkwardly laid-out than Alfas of old, but if you want a large load-space
or loads of rear legroom, then check out the more mainstream opposition.
Getting in and out
★★★
Access is quite good into the 156, although the roofline and seats are quite low, requiring a
bit of a stoop to get in. Some passengers might struggle to work out the hidden rear door
handles.
Model tested
Seat space and comfort
Rating
★★★
★★★★
★★★
We take measurements all around the
driver and passenger’s door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars don’t require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Seat space and comfort
★★
The seats in the 156 are a bit of an acquired taste: some might find the padding a little too soft,
and the side support is a bit lacking (on the standard seats we tried: the sports seats are much
more firmly bolstered). Overall headroom limits how tall the rear passengers can be; anyone
over 1.8m tall might have to crane their necks.
Model tested
Getting in and out
Rating
★★★
★★
★★
We assess seat comfort subjectively,
using our road testers’ expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
★★
Boot and storage
Boot capacity for the saloon and Sportwagon estate versions is virtually identical with the rear
seats in place (around 350 litres). The main advantage to the Sportwagon bodystyle is the
improved access to the luggage compartment via the tailgate, and the folding rear seats (not
fitted in the saloon). Model tested
(2000)
Boot space (seats up/down)
350 litres / 750 litres
350 litres / litres
350 litres / litres
Heating and ventilation
Rating
★★★
★★
★★
★★★
The diesels take noticeably longer to warm up than the 2.0 JTS petrol we tried, which leaves
occupants feeling chilly for quite some time after a wintry cold start. Air distribution is good,
and some models feature climate control (dual-zone in a few cases). All versions at least have
air conditioning.
Model tested
Carmakers give official stats for boot
space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and won’t
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Heating and ventilation
Rating
★★
★★★★
★★★
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm
each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
Running costs and depreciation
How we test
The stylish 156 has been sought-after secondhand, making its resale values a little more robust
than those of previous Alfas, though prices have now eased since more 159s have come onto
the used market. Even early Sportwagon estates, rarer than the saloons, are now looking
quite cheap. Fuel economy from the diesels is pretty good, insurance is from group 11 (though
the GTA’s in group 19) and most routine servicing and minor jobs can be done at mainstream
garages. We’d suggest more complex tasks should be entrusted to an independent Alfa
specialist, however. Fuel consumption
In our lab tests, the 156 1.9 JTD (115bhp) Sportwagon with manual gearbox returned an average
41.5mpg (Alfa Romeo claimed 47.1mpg). The 2.4 JTD 20v (175bhp) manual saloon was nearly
as economical, returning 40.9mpg (claimed figure is 42.2mpg) though the 2.0 JTS 16 petrol
saloon with manual gearbox did only 30.4mpg (claimed consumption is 32.8mpg).
Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
23.0 mpg - 34.4 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
41.5 mpg - 48.7 mpg
Model tested
Urban (claimed/measured)
35.8 mpg/33.2 mpg
32.1 mpg/31.7 mpg
23.2 mpg/23.5 mpg
Model tested
Extra urban (claimed/measured)
57.7 mpg/58.9 mpg
53.3 mpg/52.3 mpg
42.8 mpg/42.2 mpg
Model tested
Motorway (measured)
36.2 mpg
40.4 mpg
28.2 mpg
Model tested
Combined (claimed/measured)
47.1 mpg/41.5 mpg
42.8 mpg/40.9 mpg
32.8 mpg/30.4 mpg
Fuel consumption
We test fuel economy under strict lab
conditions – using realistic test cycles – to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
The early 156s registered prior to March 2001 are taxed at a flat rate - good job, given their
high carbon dioxide emissions. Of the rest, most petrol models are in the top-rate tax band,
with even the 1.8 TS emitting over 200g/km; the 2.5 V6 puts out nearly 300g/km. The 2.4
JTD gets down to 180g/km, however, and the 1.9 JTD as low as 161g/km. Petrol (CO2, claimed)
195g per km - 293g per km
Diesel (CO2, claimed)
155g per km - 180g per km
Model tested
Emissions (claimed/measured)
160g per km/235g per km
While testing fuel economy, we also
collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
Safety
Safety and security
We don’t have any EuroNCAP crash data for the 156, but it scored about average for a large
car when we performed our Secondary Safety Rating assessment. It’s certainly not as good as
the class-leader, the Volvo S/V40., however.
Euro NCAP score
No results available.
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP
crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test – after
all, it’s far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
Which? safety rating
Active (crash avoidance)
Passive (crash safety)
Child
Pedestrian
-
Security
Theft of car: Theft from car:
★★★★
★★★★
Security scores come from the security
experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s most robust reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In
2015, drivers told us about 58,000 cars, covering more than 484 million miles in the previous
12 months (that’s equivalent to driving to the moon and back a hundred times). This unique
feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note: Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages
shown under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem
in the past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 300 people
Alfa Romeo ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Sales Service
Dealer Servicing & repair
Model: Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
81%
Sample size: - people
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Everyone who takes part in the Which?
Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brand’s reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
★★★
★★★
Ownership ratings
-
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car
in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective –
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
– but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
-
Owner’s View
The best driving experience
and great performance. It
has aged really well despite
sometimes neglecting to
service it properly. Still
looks one of the most
stylish cars out there. Love
it.
Owner’s View
Impeccably behaved, fun,
comfortable and has been
mechanically faultless all
its life - glad I didn’t listen to
the Alfa naysayers.
Which? Car review
Alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)
Large cars
Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey
Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
-
Overall Reliability
Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Up to 3 years old
4-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months
Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults
Up to 3 years old
-
-
-
4-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
Want to know what’s most likely to go
wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.

alfa Romeo 156 (1997-2005)

Transcription

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