2003 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA review from UK and Ireland

The trip computer is miscalculating the distance, though the speedo is reading correctly. A new speedo is on order.

The airbag light occasionally would come on. Local Alfa dealer diagnosed and rewired part of the rear airbag system.

I love this car!

First off the Italian car reliability issue is a myth. I know owners of German cars that have had major problems, and in one case will not own another car from one particular German marque it was so problematic. The difference is Audi/BMW/VW/Merc have the service side sorted, that is where alfa have lacked.

The result being a major problem on a German car gets sorted quickly and efficiently, whereas a minor niggle on an Alfa can become a long drawn out process thanks to some poor dealers and a lack of quick support from the manufacturer.

Having said that, I cannot fault my local Alfa dealer, my car is a UK spec RHD car, but of German origin, so it has 2 years as opposed to 3 years warranty. The specialist I bought the car from is sorting out a 3rd year, but I found the above 2 problems after buying and owning the car for a month, and got them looked at before the 2 years were up.

The car has 250bhp, and that is sent through the front wheels. I will admit that I wish Alfa had made this one rear wheel drive, but the car handles the power exceptionally well. Torque steer is only brought on if you are being very stupid. After all, the car is doing very well in the European Touring Cars!

The car has a fantastic V6 engine, that sounds glorious and goes like stink. Easily reaching license losing speeds, it will go 0-62mph in 6.3sec and 0-100mph in 15 seconds!!! The torque is amazing, it is just as happy to potter around town and will go in 6th gear happily at 30mph. A result of this, is that a sensible drive can produce about 30mpg average if you wish.

The car is also very comfortable. Some say the ride is a bit hard, but my 95 year old Grandmother commented on the comfort, helped by very supportive leather seats.

Standard equipment is very good. Leather, Bose stereo, lots of airbags, electric windows/mirrors and dual zone climate control are all included.

It could be roomier, but it is not really a family car. I have had 5 people in the car happily though.