Alfa Romeo 155 and 156: Icons of Italian Flair

The Alfa Romeo 155 and 156 stand as pivotal chapters in the brand’s history, blending eye-catching design with engaging driving dynamics. Launched in the 1990s and early 2000s, these saloons captured enthusiasts’ hearts by offering spirited performance in practical packages, challenging German rivals while embracing classic Italian character.

Design Evolution: From Boxy to Sleek

The Alfa Romeo 155, introduced in 1992, marked a shift toward more conventional styling for the brand. Its angular lines and compact saloon body prioritized aerodynamics over flamboyance, yet retained subtle cues like the distinctive front grille that hinted at Alfa’s heritage. This design made it a competent executive car, appealing to those who wanted reliability wrapped in modest elegance.

Succeeding it, the 156 arrived in 1997 with a bolder aesthetic. Under the guidance of designer Walter de Silva, it featured a steeply raked profile, hidden rear door handles creating a coupe-like illusion, and a pointed nose with an offset license plate. This gave the 156 a premium feel, elevating Alfa’s image in the company car sector. Interiors impressed with durable fabrics and well-fitted plastics, closing the gap on BMW and Audi builds without fully matching them.

Both models prioritized driver focus: the 156’s cockpit angled controls toward the driver, with ergonomic seats and intuitive climate systems that handled diverse conditions effortlessly. Sportwagon variants added practicality, expanding appeal for families without sacrificing style.

Engine Lineup: Power with Personality

Alfa Romeo infused the 155 and 156 with engines that delivered raspy, charismatic performance. Petrol options included lively Twin Spark units and potent V6s, while diesels offered efficiency.

• 1.6 Twin Spark: Producing 118bhp at 6200rpm, this simplified engine avoided balancer shaft complexity, providing peppy acceleration up to 120mph.
• 2.0 Twin Spark and V6: The V6 in the 156 GTA pumped out 250bhp at 6200rpm and 221lb ft at 4800rpm, achieving 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Its broad powerband allowed seamless surges without gear changes.
• JTD Diesels: The 1.9 JTD excelled in economy, hitting 40mpg urban and 55mpg motorway with 157g/km CO2 emissions, keeping road tax low at around £155. The 2.4 five-cylinder added torque for effortless cruising.

These powertrains transformed daily drives into joys, with the V6’s song under throttle evoking pure Alfa passion.

Chassis and Handling: Pure Driving Joy

What set the 155 and 156 apart was their chassis prowess. The 155’s setup delivered sharp handling popular among enthusiasts, balancing sportiness with usability.

The 156 elevated this further. The GTA variant featured reinforced wishbones, stiffer anti-roll bars, quicker steering (1.75 turns lock-to-lock, 25% more direct than standard), and relocated rear suspension points. This resulted in tenacious grip, taut yet compliant ride over potholes, and precise responses on twisty roads.

Upgrades like the Q2 differential in some models minimized traction issues, ensuring the 250bhp Sportwagon hit 155mph without drama. Owners praised the 156’s ability to entertain on backroads while remaining comfortable for long hauls.

Reliability Realities: Triumphs and Tribulations

Despite charms, these Alfas carried caveats. The 155 earned a reputation as the least reliable in its era, with issues demanding careful used buys. The 156 improved mechanically but suffered rust in sills and floorpans, often hidden by durable upper bodywork— a classic Alfa weakness rapidly reducing survivor numbers.

Petrol Twin Sparks guzzled oil, risking bearing damage if unchecked, while electronics and suspension bushes wore prematurely. Diesels proved sturdier, especially JTDs for their economy. Routine maintenance mitigated most woes, making well-kept examples bargains under £4000 even years on.

Practicality for Modern Buyers

For used shoppers, the 156 offered smart value. Spacious cabins, versatile boots (especially Sportwagons), and tech like dual-zone climate and airbags in later models suited families. Fuel-efficient JTDs undercut rivals’ running costs, ideal for high-mileage drivers.

Compared to contemporaries:

• Vs. BMW 3-Series: More engaging drive, lower price, but rust risk.
• Vs. Audi A4: Flashier style, similar space, needs diligent checks.
• Vs. Earlier Alfas: Vastly improved quality and economy.

Enthusiast upgrades like GTA suspension keep them fresh today.

Competition Pedigree: Racing Roots

Alfa’s motorsport heritage shone through. The 155 dominated touring cars, with V6 versions conquering DTM, Italian Supertouring, and BTCC. Fiat-backed efforts evolved into 156 and 147 racers, blending road tech with competition wins, boosting brand allure.

Buying Guide: Securing a Classic

Hunting a 155 or 156? Prioritize:

1. Rust Inspection: Probe sills, floors, wheel arches thoroughly.
2. Service History: Oil changes critical for Twin Sparks; JTDs shine with records.
3. Test Drive: Check for smooth V6 pull, no knocks, stable handling.
4. Budget: £2,000-£5,000 for tidy 156s; GTA rarer at £10,000+.

Post-purchase, join Alfa clubs for parts and expertise.

FAQs

Are Alfa Romeo 156 diesels reliable?

Yes, JTD units offer excellent economy (40-55mpg) and durability if maintained, outperforming petrols in longevity.

How does the 156 GTA handle?

Exceptionally, with direct steering, firm grip, and compliant ride—arguably the best in its class.

Common 155 problems?

Reliability issues like electrics and rust; buy serviced examples only.

156 vs. 155: Which to choose?

156 for refinement and choice; 155 for raw enthusiast appeal on a budget.

Top speed of 156 V6?

155mph for GTA, with broad torque for real-world fun.

Why These Alfas Endure

The 155 and 156 revived Alfa’s fortunes by merging beauty, speed, and usability. They drove like sports cars, looked premium, and cost little used—perfect for igniting passion without breaking banks. Rust aside, serviced gems deliver timeless thrills.