Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 T-Spark Selespeed Review

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Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 T-Spark Selespeed
4.2 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.2 out of 5

From 5 ratings and 22 reviews

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AlfaAl's Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 T-Spark Selespeed

29th Apr 2009

Overall Rating

4 stars
  • Value for money
    5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 Months
  • Performance
    4.5 stars
  • Reliability
    3.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    1998
  • Doors
    4
  • Practicality
    4 stars
Good Points

Solid sporty ride - definately for the 'drivers' in the world.
Incredible soundtrack from the engine.
Good performance, 0-60 seen in 8 seconds.
Quality interior (especially the leather!)
Awesome, head-turning looks
Best i've seen in Value for Money.


Bad Points

Typical italian electrics do fail from time to time, although regular maintenance should help prevent any problems.
Gearbox does require getting used to.


General Comments

The Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 T-Spark Selespeed is quite possibly one of the best Sports Saloons currently available. Firstly, it's amazing value for money, especially on a slightly older model, i.e. 98-03 model, rather than the 03 onwards model.

I have had my Alfa 156 2.0 Selespeed Turismo for just about 2 months and have loved every day with it. Yes, i have had problems with it. 2 days after i got it, the MAF Meter went, and i'm currently having to order a new Key and Code for the car, but it is 11 years old!

I can honestly say that it is the most fun car i have driven, and not for the faint-hearted! The 2.0 lump just sounds typically italian - the incredible roar. It's not loud, per say, its more a muted roar, but it still makes your hair stand on end on the back of your neck. And with that Selespeed Sequential Transmission...it's a pure driver's car.

People keep complaining and giving bad reviews for the car because of the Selespeed's unreliability. It's not unreliable, its the way people drive it. It is NOT a full automatic, and needs to be 'driven', unlike most auto's. The Selespeed is programmed to 'learn' your driving method. It's not the car's fault if you keep changing the way you drive. This, i am sure, is the main reason for gearboxes breaking and actuators failing.

Another complaint with other people is that the Selespeed version has quite hard suspension...but they don't take into consideration the cars title of 'Sports Saloon'. Do you really expect a sloppy 'Mondeo' type handling on an italian sports saloon?? People...use your heads!

In my opinion, the italians pulled this car off incredibly well, considering the fact that Sequential gearboxes could only be found on supercars of the time (and the smart cars, which were a nightmare).

Would i recommend this car? Yes. Infact, i already have.

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