Interesting to hear a non Alfisti`s view of these cars, especially one who is from a Japanese franchise dealer. I am an Alfa owner (have currently 7) including two 156`s, a yr 2000 Twin Spark manual, and a 1998 V6 manual. I own 14 cars in total presently including 2 Ferrari , Citroen DS and 2 old 1960`s Lancias so I am a little Italian biased but I have still a modern Audi Quattro turbo and have owned several BMW`s, Mercedes, 2 Mazdas , a Mitsubishi etc etc and these cars despite their reputation are as reliable and as well built as any competitor in my experience over a long term ownership but they provide the "grin factor" very few other brands do, they have a very good history, and they are neither common, nor ordinary in styling (admitably subjective) which is something I and most owner`s value. Different is good, plus they have a feel that you appear to have picked up upon which sets them apart from the sameness everything else provides. You get used to the quirks and appreciate them and I do love surprising the ignorant on the road, especially BMW and Audi drivers.
You've got quite the collection! Alfas do have a sense of soul about them, but I have to admit there are definitely better cars out there imo. Bmw and Honda are my favourites from the era
@@KiwiCarLife I can understand your view but do you think empiricalism has made most cars a little too alike and boring? Just as well we`re not all the same and there is a manufacturer who does provide something a little different.
@@richardjones2468 I guess you gotta draw the line right. One the one hand you've got cars like Alfas that are full of soul but lack refinement, and cars like vw's that have heaps of refinement but no soul. Honda and bmw are a good mix imo. Still nice to have something that's well built, featuresome and dependable, while also being exciting to drive
@@KiwiCarLife Speaking from practical experience as a former Eurocar workshop proprietor and previous owner of several BMW`s I found them the most unreliable cars I`ve owned - serious breakdowns or failures, not trivial items. I would never ever own a BMW designed and built after year 2000. They are also very difficult to work on due to poor design and unnecessary complication. I am relatively inexperienced with Hondas but I have driven a few and they do not come across to me as especially refined nor an enjoyable drive or interesting design. I see them as another "grey car" and therein reveals that element of subjectivity but I actually still work on my cars and keep the ones I like forever thus am well able to judge their true reliability and durability. Alfas do polarise though and if you do get the virus you will learn Alfa stands for Always Looking For Another - one just isn`t enough.
My favorite car. I got 2 of them. One 1.8 Twin Spark and a 2.5 v6. Gets a little expensive keeping them on the road but they are quite an experience. This example is in great condition, it seems. Only thing i don't like is that it doesn't have a leather interior. Really good and entertaining review. Subbed.
@@KiwiCarLife They are not build to be driven near the south pole. But U own one over more than 25 years (total 3), never any problem out of the ordinary.!
2.5 engine displacement is the real Busso engine initially designed and is a real sonorous gem!!! Enjoy!!! I own a 166 Alfa with the 24 valve 2.5 Busso engine and is a bulletproof engine also!!!
I know the 2005 Facelift version very well and I think this car is far from looking odd, but is one of the best looking cars out there! No matter if it´s the facelift version or not, the shape and the design are brilliant. The buttons and all mostly look pretty used today, but I also have a german car from the same year and it looks the same. Can´t argue with the huge turning radius, tho. But you forget about that, because the handling is just so good. Even at higher speeds the car feels super precise and stable. As long as everything is in good order ofc. I´ve seen quiet some 156 who are in no good shape. Some of that may come from build quality of that time, but a lot also comes from improper maintaining. So if you want to pick up one of those, make sure you get one thats in a good shape.
I guess looks are subjective, compared with an E46, these look a lot more dated. The 159 however is a lovely looking car. Yes it handles ok, but it’s still a nose heavy fwd car. Honda does FWD better than this imo.
I have the exact same car from new. The trick is to ONLY use the factory oil. Not all 10w60 oil is the same. I was very close with the dealer who sold it to me and they had a spat of dead 2.5L V6's come to die in their garage ALL of them were using non-factory spec oil. My car has just clicked 185K's and is near perfect. Wouldn't replace it for anything else.
Good to see you gave one a go, there's a lot of history in that badge. Interestingly when these were made they had the highest proportion of magnesium used in a production car at the time, and the V6 is a fascinating piece of engineering - sodium filled valves, counterweighted flywheel to balance the rotating mass, 60 degree V (?) and this was designed in the 70s. Beautiful cars to drive, to commute with you can do it but they dont have the Japanese business like efficiency of nissan/honda/Toyota. Or efficient air conditioning for that matter 😅
Odd looking car? Man ... in 1997 when it first came out, that was the best... I mean BEST looking sedan! I still have goosebumps when I remember my reaction to this jewel back in the day. And everyone loved it even alfa haters. It even became car of the year in Europe - something unusual for brand like Alfa. Even Jeremy Clarkson praised its design...
This car look just amazing!!! Even now after 23 years. I really regret cause i never had Alfa!!! I remember back then i wanted to buy Alfa 33 boxer, 1.7 ie. But i couldn't find good ones in the moment. I bought Fiat Tipo first, but year later i bought Nissan Sunny GTi, Twin cam! And i didn't regret a second!!! It was beautiful and fast!!! I enjoyed every moment!
The reason it probably feels a good deal more powerful than its said to be is because that is a genuinely lightweight car for its size. Whilst being a competitor to the C-class and 3-series it managed to be 100+kg lighter than the equivalent models, allied with its great factory setup it ended up being a proper blast to drive, hiding its mass and length with pure responsiveness and agility
Meh, it weighs exactly the same as a 325i or 328i E36 (both are faster than the 156). E46s (M52 328i and M54 325i) are indeed 100 kg heavier (depending on trim levels), but they are just as fast as the 156. I'd rather consider the fact that the 156 being FWD, there is much power loss through the drivetrain (no driveshaft going to the rear wheels).
I have just stumbled on your video and commend you for featuring the Alfa 156 fitted with the glorious and sonorous 2.5 litre Busso (Alfa Romeo) V6. However, based the Alfa 156’s credentials - as detailed below, I’m somewhat puzzled by your comments - and in particular your description of the look as being “odd and weird” - implying ungainly. Notably the Alfa 156 is now a 25+ year old vehicle and was considered a stylistic stunner by the motoring scribe fraternity when introduced. In 1998, an international jury of 56 journalists (40 of whom voted for the 156) representing 21 countries awarded the Alfa 156 the European Car of the Year award. It went on to win more accolades in various other countries - totalling some 35. The 2.5 V6 engine, as fitted to the Alfa 156 was awarded with the International Engine of the Year award in 2000. The Alfa 156 had a big impact and enjoyed a huge market success for the brand - with over 670k vehicles produced between 1997 and 2007. However only circa 8% of total prodcution was fitted with the 2.5 V6 and much, much less with the more powerful 3.2 V6 as fitted to the Alfa 156 GTA. As for the engine, the Busso V6 was designed in the late 1960’s and first appeared in prototype form in 1969 - but unfortunately did not make its formal debut (in the Alfa 6) until 1979 - largely attributable to the oil crises of the early 70’s which greatly affected larger engined car production and the industrial strife that beset a lot of European manufacturers during that decade. The Busso V6 engine production ceased on 31 Dec 2005. Mr Busso died on 3 Jan 2006, i.e. 3 days after the last batch of engines were made at the Arese plant (Milano) - where the engine facility was the only element of the Arese plant that was still in operation. Notably, the vehicle production element had already ceased operation some years ago.
The 156 is an excellent car! Looks beautiful and is timeless. I have a normal 2004 1.8. But with leather interior. That is what is truelly missing in this one. I had a 166 3.0 v6 with that glorious Busso engine and they are very torque at low rpm all the way up to 7000 rpm. Just a masterpiece of and engine. I dare to say one of the best if not best engine in it's class. (not about HP, but just how it handles and sounds)
The 156 had legendary handling. It was the alfa that beat the 3 series in chassis performance. Just take a look at its touring car results. Completely decimated the bmw.
I have a 156 V6 too. I just installed a 3.2 from a 156 GTA. Damn now the thing moves! Roasted a Toyota Caldina GT Turbo . I love the shape of my 156 and my CL9. They both are very handsome cars IMHO.
I own 156 as my first car and i love ir despite all little problems, everyone i talk to tells me even thought thay now have some fancy bmws or mercedez thay never had so mich fun driveing the car as thay had with a 156.. Or 147, evryone says the same thing... Going true corners fast in this cars is just something else.. Ita not about comfort its about sharpnes
So the GM built 3.2 is a little nothing. The 159 isn’t as sweet to drive as the 156. I bought the 156 GTA other day near London. 156 was never seen as odd. Only considered a beautiful saloon from birth as sold UK. The 159 is a fantastic design. Just the ride and engines weren’t upto the bodywork
Hi I've seen most of your Honda Accord videoreviews and very much like those cars (ca 2006-07) without even having ever tested one but it has been on my bucketlist for a while now, but...this Alfa 156 seem to be of a similar kind and very fun to drive from what I understand even w. 2.0 litre motor, the 159 looks even better but is obviously heavy and more of a cruiser, so what is your opinion Mr.Kiwi is the Honda Accord 2.0/2.4 or the Alfa here presented equal or what? the other thing I've heard that spares are getting hard to find for the Honda's here in Europe?! Cheers from Sweden :-)
I know I said it was quite good in the video, but honestly, if you're wanting a mid 2000's European car get a BMW 130i or 330i. MUCH better than this alfa and even the Accord
@@KiwiCarLife Ok thanks but no thanks, the only beamer I'd sit in is the ole classic 3.0L which is the only BMW I'v ever had by the way, if having to take a German I highly prefer Mercedes W124's sedans/coupés before anything else ;-) So if between the Honda Accord with it's more reliable motors and the Alfa 156/159 which would you chose if they were the 2 last cars on the planet?
Odd looking?????? The 156 is absolutely the most beautiful sedan of the last 40 years (series 1 pre-facelift especially) and still stylish and contemporary today, as well as the best-handling and most dynamic FWD car I've ever driven. Yeah, I'm biased - I'm on my 3rd 156 V6: my daily driver is a super rare 2002 156 GTA (with the ultimate 3.2L Busso) which has done over 255,000km and is the best car I've owned in 35 years of driving.
Good lord yes you are very biased HAHA. Look I mean they’re cool and different looking but the best looking sedan in 40 years??? That’s a bold statement… and to drive imo if you think alfas are the best driving cars out there you haven’t driven much else. I put them above average but certainly not class leading, especially 25 years on
Haha @@KiwiCarLife its all down to personal taste. I've owned well over 20 cars since I got my licence in the mid '80s - everything from big Fords, Holdens and Valiants (including two 245ci Hemi station wagons), various hatchbacks, AWD/SUVs, Japanese sedans - the lot. My last 4 cars however have been Alfas - I also still have a 1981 Alfetta GTV coupe. I could never bring myself to own anything German - too many friends/colleagues have fallen victim to the appalling wealth-destruction tendency of VWAG transmissions/electrics, and general post-2000 German unreliability. I still like oddities from Jag, SAAB, Volvo, and Renault however - maybe if I find a reasonable 99 Turbo or 850R one day, I'll give that a go... In contrast, my Alfas have all been pretty much bullet proof. My GTA is super rare - one of only about 100 that ever came to Australia, and one of only 2600-odd manual sedans ever built. If you think the sound and torque of the 2.5L is impressive, you really need to get behind the wheel of a 3.2 Busso-powered Alfa (the "big Busso" is totally unrelated to the rubbish GM-derived 3.2L V6 that came in the later 159). Best sounding car on the planet with less than 12 cylinders. While no longer a truly "fast" car by today's standards, its rapid enough, rorty and responsive in a way that just makes you want to give it the beans coming out of every corner. And with routine maintenance, mine has handled my 70km daily round trip in stop start peak hour traffic without issue for the last two years. I also think you missed a qualifier in my comment: I said the 156 was the best handling "FWD" car I've ever driven. And my GTA is in a whole different league over the standard 'sport-pack' 156. Mine has typical GTA upgrades - including Q2 LSD, adjustable coilovers and sway bars, custom SS exhaust, and the much bigger 330mm Brembo brakes. It drives like its on rails. And I stand by my statement - no other front wheel drive car I've ever driven has come close. And to be honest, very few RWD cars I've driven have been much chop in comparison to my GTA either. Anyway glad to see you've had a taste of the Busso magic - its only a matter of time before you want a go in another one!
@@KiwiCarLife You are right - this is a bold claim. But by the time of appearance it was most beautiful car in it's class. Even e46 and e39 looked dull compared to 156 at the time (it's different now). It was elegant, yet innovative looked stunning from any angle. Hidden handles of the rear doors were very cool quirk - rear passangers wanted to climb in from front doors :) It really was a thing in the 90s design...
A non Alfista drives an Alfa for the 1st time and has a smile all day long - whilst you buy a German car, it's boring as bat shit and ultimately it fails prematurely and looses value a tad faster than burning $50 a day from the time you buy it .
I enjoyed the drive, and soon after bought a bmw 130i and couldn’t be happier HAHAH These are decent but they’re no match for the drive of a bmw. Not a fwd sloppy manual sedan like this
The 156 is the best fun modern Alfa after the Alfa 75 I had all the models and engines manual, selespeed and auto each car has it is own character I just bought back after the last one I sold a 2000 model 2.5 manual v6 and 1999 manual 2lt twin spark . And I have 2005 gta 147 2004 916 spider jts 2lt. 2008 159 jts selespeed 2008 159 ti 1750 manual 2020 stelvio ti 1988 75 v6 2.5 2017 fiat 500 1.2 2009 fiat 500 1.4 manual 2022 695 abarth competizione in order coming soon.
I like the long shift it reminded for the 105 Berlinas and gtv Even I like phase 1 central console layout with the grain look and wooden steering wheels which my both cars has.
IME, the gearknob coming off in your hand is a particular Alfa design feature, whether the car is manual or auto. Not sure the idea behind it, but there surely must be one.
Bro I’m itching for the VR5 video! I built that car after buying it from a scrap yard in 2020. Sold it to shamus when I went overseas to work on superyachts….how far off is it??
It is better tnah a e46 in terms of styling, price, rear leg room and in the V6 version the sound. Buld quality, handling, gearbox and reliability should go to the BMW I think
@@KiwiCarLife there is a couple in auckland seen a fella on youtube who lives in auckland that has a 147 gta dont know if you have heard of him but im sure you could have a talk with him
I think not, the plastics of bmw are all destroyed in all bmw e46 e36, in 156 not. The problem are only on gear, like the video, and plastic cover on passenger airbag. For example other problem on 3 series is the rust, on my alfa 156 0 rust.
@@Alkhoholic can't u sense the tone in what I wrote? Just meant u don't find many available,sad that u taking it personally or u just overly sensitive and besides I didn't know that u have one. Maybe if u mentioned that I would of had a different statement and besides it wouldn't be a rival to the 159 that would probably be the e36525i or e46 525i. Alfa 147GTA would be definitely.
Great car although I would think they are nearly non existent in New Zealand. Plus who would even maintain it as I doubt there are many Alfa mechanics around in the country especially not for something of that age. I've got a V6 156 and they're nearly extinct in the UK...
@@KiwiCarLife In Christchurch there are heaps of them. The local workshop I started services most but they are plentiful enough around here ( as are the 147`s) for most suburban workshops to have serviced them also.
European brand vehicles sold in America have a reputation of being unreliable and expensive to repair including the once considered high quality German cars. Americans' wealthy enough to buy premium European brands now lease the cars instead of buying them because of how unreliable they are and expensive to maintain. This is reflected in the poor resell value of German, French, Italian and yes British made vehicles like Land Rover.
@@londo0 agree. I have 2L twin Spark and bought a v6 to replace it. It was very nice but I find the TS more nimble and the 5 speed lighter and with a shorter throw. Sold it and kept the TS
Interesting to hear a non Alfisti`s view of these cars, especially one who is from a Japanese franchise dealer. I am an Alfa owner (have currently 7) including two 156`s, a yr 2000 Twin Spark manual, and a 1998 V6 manual. I own 14 cars in total presently including 2 Ferrari , Citroen DS and 2 old 1960`s Lancias so I am a little Italian biased but I have still a modern Audi Quattro turbo and have owned several BMW`s, Mercedes, 2 Mazdas , a Mitsubishi etc etc and these cars despite their reputation are as reliable and as well built as any competitor in my experience over a long term ownership but they provide the "grin factor" very few other brands do, they have a very good history, and they are neither common, nor ordinary in styling (admitably subjective) which is something I and most owner`s value. Different is good, plus they have a feel that you appear to have picked up upon which sets them apart from the sameness everything else provides. You get used to the quirks and appreciate them and I do love surprising the ignorant on the road, especially BMW and Audi drivers.
You've got quite the collection! Alfas do have a sense of soul about them, but I have to admit there are definitely better cars out there imo. Bmw and Honda are my favourites from the era
@@KiwiCarLife I can understand your view but do you think empiricalism has made most cars a little too alike and boring? Just as well we`re not all the same and there is a manufacturer who does provide something a little different.
@@richardjones2468 I guess you gotta draw the line right. One the one hand you've got cars like Alfas that are full of soul but lack refinement, and cars like vw's that have heaps of refinement but no soul. Honda and bmw are a good mix imo. Still nice to have something that's well built, featuresome and dependable, while also being exciting to drive
@@KiwiCarLife Speaking from practical experience as a former Eurocar workshop proprietor and previous owner of several BMW`s I found them the most unreliable cars I`ve owned - serious breakdowns or failures, not trivial items. I would never ever own a BMW designed and built after year 2000. They are also very difficult to work on due to poor design and unnecessary complication. I am relatively inexperienced with Hondas but I have driven a few and they do not come across to me as especially refined nor an enjoyable drive or interesting design. I see them as another "grey car" and therein reveals that element of subjectivity but I actually still work on my cars and keep the ones I like forever thus am well able to judge their true reliability and durability. Alfas do polarise though and if you do get the virus you will learn Alfa stands for Always Looking For Another - one just isn`t enough.
My favorite car. I got 2 of them. One 1.8 Twin Spark and a 2.5 v6. Gets a little expensive keeping them on the road but they are quite an experience. This example is in great condition, it seems. Only thing i don't like is that it doesn't have a leather interior.
Really good and entertaining review. Subbed.
Very nice! Thanks
I had a 156 as my first car, lots of great memories 😊. It had it's problems here and there, but nothing dramatic (although annoying sometimes 😆)
Haha yeah I guess that's the way it goes with alfas. There's always something niggly wrong even if it doesn't really affect normal operation
@@KiwiCarLife They are not build to be driven near the south pole. But U own one over more than 25 years (total 3), never any problem out of the ordinary.!
2.5 engine displacement is the real Busso engine initially designed and is a real sonorous gem!!! Enjoy!!! I own a 166 Alfa with the 24 valve 2.5 Busso engine and is a bulletproof engine also!!!
@@sotirisbakaimis3276 yeah man I enjoyed this one!
I know the 2005 Facelift version very well and I think this car is far from looking odd, but is one of the best looking cars out there! No matter if it´s the facelift version or not, the shape and the design are brilliant. The buttons and all mostly look pretty used today, but I also have a german car from the same year and it looks the same. Can´t argue with the huge turning radius, tho. But you forget about that, because the handling is just so good. Even at higher speeds the car feels super precise and stable. As long as everything is in good order ofc. I´ve seen quiet some 156 who are in no good shape. Some of that may come from build quality of that time, but a lot also comes from improper maintaining. So if you want to pick up one of those, make sure you get one thats in a good shape.
I guess looks are subjective, compared with an E46, these look a lot more dated. The 159 however is a lovely looking car. Yes it handles ok, but it’s still a nose heavy fwd car. Honda does FWD better than this imo.
The best looking saloon car ever made
I guess beauty is subjective haha
I have the exact same car from new. The trick is to ONLY use the factory oil. Not all 10w60 oil is the same. I was very close with the dealer who sold it to me and they had a spat of dead 2.5L V6's come to die in their garage ALL of them were using non-factory spec oil. My car has just clicked 185K's and is near perfect. Wouldn't replace it for anything else.
Ah yes
Good to see you gave one a go, there's a lot of history in that badge. Interestingly when these were made they had the highest proportion of magnesium used in a production car at the time, and the V6 is a fascinating piece of engineering - sodium filled valves, counterweighted flywheel to balance the rotating mass, 60 degree V (?) and this was designed in the 70s. Beautiful cars to drive, to commute with you can do it but they dont have the Japanese business like efficiency of nissan/honda/Toyota. Or efficient air conditioning for that matter 😅
Very interesting!
My 1st alfa was a 1.8 sportwagon amazing car had it 10yrs no problems
Lovely vehicle
Odd looking car? Man ... in 1997 when it first came out, that was the best... I mean BEST looking sedan! I still have goosebumps when I remember my reaction to this jewel back in the day. And everyone loved it even alfa haters. It even became car of the year in Europe - something unusual for brand like Alfa. Even Jeremy Clarkson praised its design...
Yeah but today though… this video came out in 2023. It’s odd looking today imo
This car look just amazing!!! Even now after 23 years. I really regret cause i never had Alfa!!! I remember back then i wanted to buy Alfa 33 boxer, 1.7 ie. But i couldn't find good ones in the moment. I bought Fiat Tipo first, but year later i bought Nissan Sunny GTi, Twin cam! And i didn't regret a second!!! It was beautiful and fast!!! I enjoyed every moment!
Yeah they’re nice
I know Scenic Drive when i see it, Kiwi as bro😎🤙
Good road
The reason it probably feels a good deal more powerful than its said to be is because that is a genuinely lightweight car for its size. Whilst being a competitor to the C-class and 3-series it managed to be 100+kg lighter than the equivalent models, allied with its great factory setup it ended up being a proper blast to drive, hiding its mass and length with pure responsiveness and agility
Yeah good point
Meh, it weighs exactly the same as a 325i or 328i E36 (both are faster than the 156).
E46s (M52 328i and M54 325i) are indeed 100 kg heavier (depending on trim levels), but they are just as fast as the 156.
I'd rather consider the fact that the 156 being FWD, there is much power loss through the drivetrain (no driveshaft going to the rear wheels).
I have just stumbled on your video and commend you for featuring the Alfa 156 fitted with the glorious and sonorous 2.5 litre Busso (Alfa Romeo) V6. However, based the Alfa 156’s credentials - as detailed below, I’m somewhat puzzled by your comments - and in particular your description of the look as being “odd and weird” - implying ungainly. Notably the Alfa 156 is now a 25+ year old vehicle and was considered a stylistic stunner by the motoring scribe fraternity when introduced.
In 1998, an international jury of 56 journalists (40 of whom voted for the 156) representing 21 countries awarded the Alfa 156 the European Car of the Year award. It went on to win more accolades in various other countries - totalling some 35.
The 2.5 V6 engine, as fitted to the Alfa 156 was awarded with the International Engine of the Year award in 2000.
The Alfa 156 had a big impact and enjoyed a huge market success for the brand - with over 670k vehicles produced between 1997 and 2007. However only circa 8% of total prodcution was fitted with the 2.5 V6 and much, much less with the more powerful 3.2 V6 as fitted to the Alfa 156 GTA.
As for the engine, the Busso V6 was designed in the late 1960’s and first appeared in prototype form in 1969 - but unfortunately did not make its formal debut (in the Alfa 6) until 1979 - largely attributable to the oil crises of the early 70’s which greatly affected larger engined car production and the industrial strife that beset a lot of European manufacturers during that decade. The Busso V6 engine production ceased on 31 Dec 2005. Mr Busso died on 3 Jan 2006, i.e. 3 days after the last batch of engines were made at the Arese plant (Milano) - where the engine facility was the only element of the Arese plant that was still in operation. Notably, the vehicle production element had already ceased operation some years ago.
Ah yes
The 156 is an excellent car! Looks beautiful and is timeless. I have a normal 2004 1.8. But with leather interior. That is what is truelly missing in this one. I had a 166 3.0 v6 with that glorious Busso engine and they are very torque at low rpm all the way up to 7000 rpm. Just a masterpiece of and engine. I dare to say one of the best if not best engine in it's class. (not about HP, but just how it handles and sounds)
It is good, I personally prefer the m54
@@KiwiCarLife We all have our preferences. Both sound wonderful.
@@KiwiCarLifeno chance
One is a mass produced BMW lump, the other is an Italian masterpiece.
I love manual transmission, feeling the engine power on each gear ratio ... amazing feeling to be honest
Oh yeah absolutely
The 156 had legendary handling. It was the alfa that beat the 3 series in chassis performance. Just take a look at its touring car results. Completely decimated the bmw.
I’m not sure I believe that lol
I have a 156 V6 too. I just installed a 3.2 from a 156 GTA. Damn now the thing moves! Roasted a Toyota Caldina GT Turbo . I love the shape of my 156 and my CL9. They both are very handsome cars IMHO.
Nice
Bro Liam you read my mind, I was looking at some of these yesterday
Hahah classic. They're cool little things. Very cheap
I own 156 as my first car and i love ir despite all little problems, everyone i talk to tells me even thought thay now have some fancy bmws or mercedez thay never had so mich fun driveing the car as thay had with a 156.. Or 147, evryone says the same thing... Going true corners fast in this cars is just something else.. Ita not about comfort its about sharpnes
Ageee
You're picking up some more Clarksonisms in your more recent videos. I lol'd at "Produce cold air PLEEAASE!".
HAGAHAH
Love this review. Simple funny direct, I like these cars but could never own one.
Thanks man
love me an alfa. gotta try a QV giulietta, theyre pretty mean
One day man
So the GM built 3.2 is a little nothing. The 159 isn’t as sweet to drive as the 156. I bought the 156 GTA other day near London. 156 was never seen as odd. Only considered a beautiful saloon from birth as sold UK. The 159 is a fantastic design. Just the ride and engines weren’t upto the bodywork
Fair enough
A review for a Galant VR4 would be much appreciated
One day beo
Hi I've seen most of your Honda Accord videoreviews and very much like those cars (ca 2006-07) without even having ever tested one but it has been on my bucketlist for a while now, but...this Alfa 156 seem to be of a similar kind and very fun to drive from what I understand even w. 2.0 litre motor, the 159 looks even better but is obviously heavy and more of a cruiser, so what is your opinion Mr.Kiwi is the Honda Accord 2.0/2.4 or the Alfa here presented equal or what? the other thing I've heard that spares are getting hard to find for the Honda's here in Europe?! Cheers from Sweden :-)
I know I said it was quite good in the video, but honestly, if you're wanting a mid 2000's European car get a BMW 130i or 330i. MUCH better than this alfa and even the Accord
@@KiwiCarLife Ok thanks but no thanks, the only beamer I'd sit in is the ole classic 3.0L which is the only BMW I'v ever had by the way, if having to take a German I highly prefer Mercedes W124's sedans/coupés before anything else ;-) So if between the Honda Accord with it's more reliable motors and the Alfa 156/159 which would you chose if they were the 2 last cars on the planet?
Accord
am owner of 156 2.4 jtd 20v and that is diesel with 240hp and mass of torque but busso is busso
Nice yeah N/A V6 is always a good choice haha. Diesel would be torquey tho
Odd looking?????? The 156 is absolutely the most beautiful sedan of the last 40 years (series 1 pre-facelift especially) and still stylish and contemporary today, as well as the best-handling and most dynamic FWD car I've ever driven. Yeah, I'm biased - I'm on my 3rd 156 V6: my daily driver is a super rare 2002 156 GTA (with the ultimate 3.2L Busso) which has done over 255,000km and is the best car I've owned in 35 years of driving.
Good lord yes you are very biased HAHA. Look I mean they’re cool and different looking but the best looking sedan in 40 years??? That’s a bold statement… and to drive imo if you think alfas are the best driving cars out there you haven’t driven much else. I put them above average but certainly not class leading, especially 25 years on
Haha @@KiwiCarLife its all down to personal taste. I've owned well over 20 cars since I got my licence in the mid '80s - everything from big Fords, Holdens and Valiants (including two 245ci Hemi station wagons), various hatchbacks, AWD/SUVs, Japanese sedans - the lot. My last 4 cars however have been Alfas - I also still have a 1981 Alfetta GTV coupe. I could never bring myself to own anything German - too many friends/colleagues have fallen victim to the appalling wealth-destruction tendency of VWAG transmissions/electrics, and general post-2000 German unreliability. I still like oddities from Jag, SAAB, Volvo, and Renault however - maybe if I find a reasonable 99 Turbo or 850R one day, I'll give that a go...
In contrast, my Alfas have all been pretty much bullet proof. My GTA is super rare - one of only about 100 that ever came to Australia, and one of only 2600-odd manual sedans ever built. If you think the sound and torque of the 2.5L is impressive, you really need to get behind the wheel of a 3.2 Busso-powered Alfa (the "big Busso" is totally unrelated to the rubbish GM-derived 3.2L V6 that came in the later 159). Best sounding car on the planet with less than 12 cylinders. While no longer a truly "fast" car by today's standards, its rapid enough, rorty and responsive in a way that just makes you want to give it the beans coming out of every corner. And with routine maintenance, mine has handled my 70km daily round trip in stop start peak hour traffic without issue for the last two years.
I also think you missed a qualifier in my comment: I said the 156 was the best handling "FWD" car I've ever driven. And my GTA is in a whole different league over the standard 'sport-pack' 156. Mine has typical GTA upgrades - including Q2 LSD, adjustable coilovers and sway bars, custom SS exhaust, and the much bigger 330mm Brembo brakes. It drives like its on rails. And I stand by my statement - no other front wheel drive car I've ever driven has come close. And to be honest, very few RWD cars I've driven have been much chop in comparison to my GTA either.
Anyway glad to see you've had a taste of the Busso magic - its only a matter of time before you want a go in another one!
@@KiwiCarLife You are right - this is a bold claim. But by the time of appearance it was most beautiful car in it's class. Even e46 and e39 looked dull compared to 156 at the time (it's different now). It was elegant, yet innovative looked stunning from any angle. Hidden handles of the rear doors were very cool quirk - rear passangers wanted to climb in from front doors :) It really was a thing in the 90s design...
A non Alfista drives an Alfa for the 1st time and has a smile all day long - whilst you buy a German car, it's boring as bat shit and ultimately it fails prematurely and looses value a tad faster than burning $50 a day from the time you buy it .
I enjoyed the drive, and soon after bought a bmw 130i and couldn’t be happier HAHAH
These are decent but they’re no match for the drive of a bmw. Not a fwd sloppy manual sedan like this
Awesome car
Very cool color
You should've try the alfa 156 gta ..
Yeah one day hopefully
It’s all about character ! I’d love one
They're certainly characterful haha
The 156 is the best fun modern Alfa after the Alfa 75
I had all the models and engines manual, selespeed and auto each car has it is own character
I just bought back after the last one I sold a 2000 model 2.5 manual v6 and 1999 manual 2lt twin spark .
And I have 2005 gta 147
2004 916 spider jts 2lt.
2008 159 jts selespeed
2008 159 ti 1750 manual
2020 stelvio ti
1988 75 v6 2.5
2017 fiat 500 1.2
2009 fiat 500 1.4 manual
2022 695 abarth competizione in order coming soon.
I like the long shift it reminded for the 105 Berlinas and gtv
Even I like phase 1 central console layout with the grain look and wooden steering wheels which my both cars has.
Nice!
Did you ever have the 156 V6 auto - your thoughts please
IME, the gearknob coming off in your hand is a particular Alfa design feature, whether the car is manual or auto. Not sure the idea behind it, but there surely must be one.
HAHAHA
Bro I’m itching for the VR5 video! I built that car after buying it from a scrap yard in 2020. Sold it to shamus when I went overseas to work on superyachts….how far off is it??
Oh awesome man yeah came to know shamus well. Nice car! It's coming haha maybe in Jan or Feb. Got sooo many videos atm
It is better tnah a e46 in terms of styling, price, rear leg room and in the V6 version the sound. Buld quality, handling, gearbox and reliability should go to the BMW I think
Haha yeah it's clickbait mate. The E46 is a looot better
@@KiwiCarLife clickbait was effective 🤣
🤣 _in typical Alfa fashion_ … _i lost it‼️_
HAHAHAHA
Damn just sold my 156 a couple weeks ago but I still have my 147, you should review the 147.
147 GTA v6 would be so cool
@@KiwiCarLife there is a couple in auckland seen a fella on youtube who lives in auckland that has a 147 gta dont know if you have heard of him but im sure you could have a talk with him
had to laugh when the gearknob broke to the point where you had to shit from the stalk lol. Also a 325CI would be mint compared to this
Yeahhh 325ci is probably the best of the early 00's small luxury coupe/sedans tbh
I think not, the plastics of bmw are all destroyed in all bmw e46 e36, in 156 not. The problem are only on gear, like the video, and plastic cover on passenger airbag. For example other problem on 3 series is the rust, on my alfa 156 0 rust.
Quirky and a bit different, worth a shout if you are feeling brave! lol
Indeed
Mate you need to review the manual BMW 130i, a direct rival to this I think 😀. Hit me up when you need a car to review I'm in Auckland 😂
Oh yeah definitely keen man, you got one?
@@KiwiCarLife yeah man! Just let me know when haha
Super rare lol
@@marlonbaird6070 nobody said super rare, just a good rival to that Alfa he reviewed
@@Alkhoholic can't u sense the tone in what I wrote? Just meant u don't find many available,sad that u taking it personally or u just overly sensitive and besides I didn't know that u have one. Maybe if u mentioned that I would of had a different statement and besides it wouldn't be a rival to the 159 that would probably be the e36525i or e46 525i. Alfa 147GTA would be definitely.
Great car although I would think they are nearly non existent in New Zealand. Plus who would even maintain it as I doubt there are many Alfa mechanics around in the country especially not for something of that age. I've got a V6 156 and they're nearly extinct in the UK...
There's a few around. But yeah as they get older there wouldn't be many around who can maintain them
@@KiwiCarLife In Christchurch there are heaps of them. The local workshop I started services most but they are plentiful enough around here ( as are the 147`s) for most suburban workshops to have serviced them also.
0:04 savage geese
Hahaha yeah
"Better Than a 3 Series?"
E36 & E46 will always be the pinnacle
Agree
European brand vehicles sold in America have a reputation of being unreliable and expensive to repair including the once considered high quality German cars.
Americans' wealthy enough to buy premium European brands now lease the cars instead of buying them because of how unreliable they are and expensive to maintain.
This is reflected in the poor resell value of German, French, Italian and yes British made vehicles like Land Rover.
Yes
So would you say 156 or 159 comes out on top?
Still prefer 159 personally, but would have to get a sedan with a manual
I have never seen such a defensive comment section under your videos :D
Dont say a wrong thing about alfa..!
Yeah this one was a bit controversial haha
Alfa 156 2 litre handles even better.
Slower though
@@KiwiCarLife yep, but in city traffic it is still plenty fast, plus you get to rev it more without reaching silly speeds and you get better mileage.
@@londo0 agree. I have 2L twin Spark and bought a v6 to replace it. It was very nice but I find the TS more nimble and the 5 speed lighter and with a shorter throw. Sold it and kept the TS
the shift knob is not original!
@@jla1875 good spotting
This accent is si funny
Is it
the 159 is no alfa, it`s a much too heavy GM!!
I thought it was good
Odd looking cars? What is he on.
They're very odd looking