Monday 24th February 2003

156 Coupe

Debut at Geneva

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Alfa Romeo will unveil a two door version of their 156 saloon at the Geneva Motor Show. Styling is by Bertone and although obviously closely related to the 156, they've drawn inspiration from Alfa of yesteryear too.

Engine options will include the 140 bhp 1.8 T.Spark, the 165 bhp 2.0 JTS and the 140 bhp 1.9 JTD Multijet 16v.

A GTA version is very likely with the 250bhp 3.2 V6 24 valve engine doing the business up front.

[Alex]

Gorgeous!

[spnracing]

Looks a bit like a stretched 3 door 147.

But very nice - the GTV is looking a bit past it these days.

[danger mouse]

I think the 156 is still far prettier.

This coupe seems a less rather than a more hardcore 156. I still reckon its a shame the design dept. didn't get their way and have it badged "Giulietta" (SP?). Then this would be the "Giulietta Sprint"...

No romance in numerics for Alfa's...


Mouse

[v8thunder]

Beauty.
I just can't believe the numpty philistines who complain about this car 'because of the offset front numberplate, it looks stupid'. It transcends it's add-ons which means you'll never see one that's been Max Powered. It's quite clearly aiming for the Peugoet 406 coupe/BMW 3-series market, isn't it.

[Farmer]

very nice of course but the pretiest alfa is still actualy the least adorned 156 , alfas have not yet managed to carry side skirts with real grace

[d_drinks]

Am I the only one or does this look like the new Mazda 6 in profile??...

[robp]

I cant help but see a bit of ford puma in it. Still, thats not a bad thing, another nice looking motor from the boys at alfa

[Farmer]

d_drinks said: Am I the only one or does this look like the new Mazda 6 in profile??...

Er.. ...looks like you are the only one

[caribeiro]

I love it...

I want one for next Xmas.

[Citizen Rat]

Put down the pen and step away from the board!
But then, I have never liked Italian styling.

[gnomesmith]

I never thought that heavy handedness could result in blandness. This car proves me wrong but I do like the offset number plate, little else though.

And me a long term Italiian car fan too!

>> Edited by gnomesmith on Thursday 27th February 17:50

[danger mouse]

gnomesmith said: I never thought that heavy handedness could result in blandness.


>> Edited by gnomesmith on Thursday 27th February 17:50

You're dead right.

It has all the modern, chunkey heft and wedgey queues but look somehow static and aerodyne. It is looking very generic Meditarainian (ie. Seat/Alfa-ish), but is lacking that verve... the Auto-Emotione, the er... Coure-Sportivo those brands represent.

I will any reserve further judgement until I see one in the flesh and on the move though. Cars look totally different then.

For now I remain unmoved.

>> Edited by danger mouse on Friday 28th February 13:21

[DIGGA]

The grille doesn't look quite as nicely integrated as the 147 - perhaps in the metal, and in another colour it might look a bit more cohesive.