2002 Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon review from Poland
"I look forward any opportunity to drive it far"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Sometimes radio thinks that the changer is installed and on/off is needed to force to make it read CD's drom dash unit.
Covers of rear lights located inside rear doors fall off - they seem to be couple millimeters too small for the job.
So - nothing major.
General comments?
After 5 years with previous Alfa I was expecting something different - harder, the car is much more silent and comfortable, then I expected - and I like it.
When accelerating I have a feeling that the car is slow - no sound, no influence on steering, only other cars are left behind surprisingly far away...
I wish I was 10 cm shorter - ergonomics are perfect for my girlfriend (172), and not so for me (188).
The steering, suspension and engine are very good. Shifting got much better after 10000 KM - it was a bit mushy in the beginning.
Suspension and tires (205/60/15) are excellent on bad Polish roads (on bumpy curves it is better than any other car I know), in Austria or Germany I would opt for bigger wheels and harder suspension.
The car is small (or rather tight) - it is rather premium class compact than D class station wagon.
Recommended reviews
  | A modern classic |
| 2001 - 156 Sportwagen Lusso 1.6 TS A practical sporting 'estate' |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 JTS Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 16 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 11200 kilometres |
| Previous car | Alfa Romeo 145 |
| Date of Entry | 9th June, 2003 |