2003 Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon Lusso review from UK and Ireland

The car has been fault free.

My first Alfa was a 147 2.0 Twin Spark, replacing a Fiat Punto. It was an absolutely beautiful car inside and out, in my opinion the most elegant in it's class. It handles well and was well built, but did not have as much 'go' in it as I expected a 150bhp Alfa to have. However, this review is not for the 147!!!

I chose the Alfa Romeo Sportwagon as a car because while I needed some good load lugging ability, I didn't need the 'full on' capacity of say a VW Passat or a Volvo estate. The car I would have, also had to be the most stylish in it's class, which in my opinion it is, but the main reason for choosing this car, is that it is an Alfa!

An Alfa Romeo has obvious character and a hidden, subtle character that is hard to pin down, but stemming from the badge itself and the motoring history of the marque.

Engine choice was an easy one for me. A petrol 1.6 or a 1.8 was not on the list. The 150bhp 2.0 Twin Spark is the same as in the 147, but although it sounds great, would have even less pulling power in the heavier 156. The 2.5 V6 just drinks too much fuel as does the £10,000 more 3.2 V6 GTA version.

The 2.4 litre, 5 cylinder engine with a standard 150 bhp engine which pulls like a train with a gruff, warbling engine note was the version I chose for it's blend of power and economy.

Body roll is well controlled and handling is good, but not outstanding. Low speed ride on the standard suspension of the Lusso version is OK, but can get a bit bouncy when pressing on over bumpy backroads.

The 5 speed manual gearbox is slick and great to use and the seats clad in natural leather are both comfortable and grippy.

Build quality and reliability (so far at least) can't be faulted. The perception of Alfas rusting and breaking down is a myth.

What isn't a myth however, is the dealers. Their aftersales and service at times can be truly appalling.