Faults:

Quite a few problems.

First of all, the timing belt broke before it was due to be replaced.

Water pump and radiator also completely repaired due to overheating problems.

The upper front suspension arms wore out very quickly.

Leaks in the power steering rack.

Electrical system failures, lights, turn signals or ventilation (air conditioning).

The most serious problem I had was with the air conditioner. One day, shortly after turning it on, it started to smell rotten. They couldn't find the problem until they discovered it was a faulty condensate drain pipe. I had to replace it completely (it cost me a fortune).

General Comments:

I'll go through it point by point.

Interior: Extremely high quality, nothing out of place or rattles, plus more than adequate soundproofing. Compared to the 146, it's like comparing a Ferrari to a 131. The controls are well-placed and intuitive. The screen is a bit tricky to use at first, but you quickly get the hang of it, especially the steering wheel controls. The front glove box (a common problem with these models) opens whenever it feels like it, and the armrest sometimes falls off. Otherwise, it's fine.

The audio system, with separate speakers in the front and rear and a 6-CD changer, is surprisingly well-engineered and tuned. Deep bass (they're 6.5-inch drivers) and very clear and well-defined treble. The changer reads original CDs perfectly, but it only reads certain burned CDs called STARBLITZ, sold at Media Markt for 5 Swedish kronor (0.50 euros). It also reads some older ones, like Verbatim Metalazo...

Very comfortable seats; I drove 1000km in one go without my back or my wife's feeling the slightest discomfort. The climate control is AMAZING; it cools like crazy. I remember in the Focus and the 146 I always had to have it on full blast. More than enough space; people are surprised by how big it is inside, given its sharp exterior lines.

Stability: Outstanding considering the car's size. Keep in mind that the steering wheel only turns once in each direction, resulting in a tight turning radius but exceptional agility.

The suspension is very sophisticated, something you notice as soon as you get in, as bumps pose no problem. It's not as stiff as the 146, but it's perfectly suited to the car's character.

The Michelin 215/55/16 tires also contribute significantly to its excellent performance.

Engine: The jewel in the crown, the Alfa 6-cylinder that sounds glorious and is so incredibly smooth that I often think it's a diesel because of how well it accelerates. For example, I'm in 6th gear at 150 km/h and I have to brake at 90 km/h, and I don't need to downshift at all.

Power delivery is strong from idle all the way to 7000 rpm (its maximum power is around 6500 rpm and peak torque at 5000 rpm), making sporty driving a delight, especially the roar from 5000 rpm upwards—it's heavenly music.

As for fuel consumption, it averages around 10.5-11 liters per 100 km in mixed driving. I honestly expected more from a 2.5-liter engine. It also runs fine on Euro Super 95, although I occasionally use a little 98 octane, but you really don't notice the difference.

Exterior: Its attractive lines are immediately apparent, and I've been obsessed with them since they came out. That blend of classic and sporty is perfect; I think they nailed it. Once behind the wheel, it doesn't feel like a car of that size at all; quite the opposite, it feels much smaller. The only thing is to be careful when parking to avoid scrapes.

The lighting, which some criticize, is FAR superior to that of the 146 and the Focus. The light is clear and well-adjusted, and the long-range headlights are more than useful. Although, given the price, it should have xenon headlights. Those Alfa guys are cheapskates... They also try to give the car a mix of sobriety and sportiness, with exterior lights on all the doors and aluminum trim around the edges of all four doors displaying the brand's logo. It also has a dual exhaust that accentuates its beautiful sound.

Conclusion: Some people, given its price at the time, would buy an Audi, a BMW, a Mercedes... but I think that for those of us who like Alfas, this is its ultimate expression. The quality-price ratio is quite good, although the service and knowledge of Alfa dealerships in Sweden is regrettably poor, but that's another matter.

Faults:

No issues to report.

General Comments:

New shape (2003>) is a real head turner.

Great performance, but you need to work the engine hard - 3.2V6 here I come!

Great fuel economy if you drive carefully (35mpg combined)

Interior is outstanding.

No wonder Clarkson included it in his "Machines that have soul book"