1999 Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has gone wrong yet, but I have only owned this car for nine days.

The car has covered 43,000 miles and still looks like new.

I am surprised at the lack of reach for the accelerator pedal. I am only 5ft 11 tall and with the seat as far back as it will go I still have to bend my right knee to get my foot onto the accelerator pedal, although there is ample space behind the pedal which is wasted.

The performance of the car is more than adequate for my needs. It seems very light and responsive, eager to jump forward and will still cruise at 30mph in 5th gear without protest. I had previously read about the "Alfa Growl" when describing the engine sound under acceleration, and I now know exactly what it means. What a wonderful sound!

The car is Alfa red with a sports kit and high level rear spoiler. I would not have chosen the spoiler but it was already on the car and I have grown to like it. It seems to finish off the style nicely without being crude or 'boy racer'.

Roadholding is very positive. I shall not be pushing the car to its limits to test its ability, but it certainly transmits confidence to the driver with no perceptible body roll and a comfortable but firm suspension.

The interior has black cloth Recaro sports seats. They are supportive and comfortable, however I would have preferred an adjustable lumbar support. The instrument dashboard with the hooded gauges and dials is a throwback to earlier days, and is a joy to behold. There may be no real need for red back-lights and separate fuel, temperature and clock, but it looks great. Is any more reason needed?

The Selespeed sequential gearbox takes a little while to get used to, but it's worth the wait and the learning is fun.

The car has an ordinary dry clutch plate fitted, but no pedal for manual changes. The electronic button sensors on the steering wheel, and the `tiptronic` style gear stick respond to the drivers signal to change up or down, and a hydraulic pump actuates the clutch for you, smoothly (provided you level off on the accelerator first) and efficiently. It's a real joy to use. I just hope nothing goes wrong with it!!!

Having not looked at Alfa Romeo cars before, I can only say that the Alfa 156 seduced me. I had my Vauxhall Carlton for 6 years, and it is still going strong after 145,000 miles and 9 years old. I hope the Alfa lasts this long.

I look forward to making a journey in this car as it is such fun to drive and definitely a head turner.