Alfa Romeo was launched as a simply A.L.F.A standing for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. It comes in the category of expensive cars and the year 1920 brought in Torpedo 20 to 30 HP with full name Alfa Romeo. The company was renamed, though 5 years before when the Nicola Romeo became the key person, the process had started. After years of sustenance through hard times and standing up every time, it was acquired by Fiat Group. They kept their promise and gave job security to Alfa Romeo employees.
The year 2007 brought in Fiat Auto S.p.A reorganization leading to the formation of a new automobile company. The Alfa Romeo 156 was available for sales within 10 year bracket of 1997 to 2007. The vehicle launched in Frankfurt Motor Show and was a replacement to Alfa Romeo 155. It fell in the category of compact executive vehicle and came as 4 door saloon alongside 5 door estate. The 2.4 jtd, 1.9 jtd, v6, ts, ti, t spark and sports versions are mainly preferred in Alfa Romeo 156.
Alfa Romeo 156 - Exterior
The vehicle was designed by Walter de’Silva the head designer, with its distinctive Alfa Centro Stile. The vehicle had high curved edges, hidden rear door handles, retro style front door handles, grille deep and much more. The sports look is enhanced with the strategy of having rear door handle hidden. The typical feature in the vehicle provides illuminating experience by head and tail lights.
The light is designed in a way that width is longer than the height making it a typical sports model. The Alloy Wheel has the design that adds style with state of art look alongside the indirect support to tires. The Roof Rail provides more hardcore look with the diverse size luggage carriage ease. As the roof rail have tents folded to perfection.
Alfa Romeo 156 - Interior
The interior is more of a reflection of Alfa Romeo 166 with the dashboard and simple console. The main console and display are designed in a way that all at a single place is achieved bringing in ease in the typical Italian sports vehicle. It is a family vehicle with the true taste of sports. The interior has space optimization like the cup holder and similar features are not installed.
Hence there is ample space for the stuff to be carried. The facelifts happened in 2002, 2003 and 2004 consecutively to make the Alfa Romeo 156 acquire great position. Even as used vehicle the drive is smooth and talking about Japan, the vehicle is available in very good condition.
Alfa Romeo 156 - Body and Platform
The basic platform of the Alfa Romeo is that of previously released 166 models with bit improvements. The original body of 156 is highly developed and comes as front wheel drive vehicle. The double high wishbone and front alongside rear suspension make it work wonder. The magnesium frames in front seats aside from other weight saving material makes sure that the vehicle is able to be light enough.
The light weight leads to low fuel consumption and torque efficiency. The strategy to make it best has worked for this car and had resulted in acquiring huge market share, though the discontinuation in 2007 is another story.
Fuel Consumption
Average fuel consumption of Romeo 156 is about 29mpg.
Popular Models In Japanese Used Car Market
Since Alfa Romeo 156 was discontinued in the year 2006, people prefer to buy models like 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 & 2000 because they are available in low prices as compare to other cars.