Alfa Romeo 156 Turismo ??

[PompeyDarren]

Hello again.

As my search seemed to hit a slow spell, I extended my search area.

I've found a 156 Turismo, which looks quite reasonable. It's seems to tick all the boxes.

My question is; where does the Turismo sit in the 156 model range?
Am I right in thinking it is pretty basic?
Perhaps the one I’m looking at has had some extras fitted?

Many thanks,

Darren.

[RicksAlfas]

It is the lower trim level but it's still pretty well equipped - hardly poverty spec.
Better a tidy Turismo than a shagged Lusso!

You get a more comfortable but less "sporty" ride than the Veloce which may or may not suit.

[PompeyDarren]

So potentially, if I were to fit improved (eibach) springs and possibly a strut brace a Turismo could become a bit more fun to drive?!

[RicksAlfas]

Yes in theory, but I would have thought you would want some decent dampers too and not just shorter springs (budget allowing!).

[LooseCannon]

So, if the Turismo and Lusso share the same softer suspension is the only difference the Lusso has a bit more kit?

How come I've seen Turismos with and without those natty side sill extensions?

Alfa make things so confusing!

Edited by LooseCannon on Tuesday 6th October 21:09

[uncinqsix]

PompeyDarren said:

So potentially, if I were to fit improved (eibach) springs and possibly a strut brace a Turismo could become a bit more fun to drive?!

The problem with the standard 156 suspension is mainly with the dampers - the setup is underdamped so you end up with a harsh ride and poor body control. You really need to change both springs and dampers to get the most out of the car. A very, very good setup is the Eibach Pro-Kit springs and Koni FSD dampers (which is what I have), but there are plenty of other options. Check out this thread over on Alfaowner.

A strut brace is the last thing I would add. It'll have a negligible effect compared with upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

[RicksAlfas]

LooseCannon said:

So, if the Turismo and Lusso share the same softer suspension is the only difference the Lusso has a bit more kit?

Yes.
Think of it as an "L" and a "GL".

LooseCannon said:

How come I've seen Turismos with and without those natty side sill extensions?

They shouldn't have them. The sideskirts should only be on SportPacks/Veloces but they could obviously be fitted to anything aftermarket. There were also some dealer fit option sideskirts from Zender which look slightly different.

LooseCannon said:

Alfa make things so confusing!

Well they do make the odd misbuild, and there are a lot of imported cars over here with weird spec levels - Lussos with wind up rear windows and so on. But when the cars were new you picked which engine you wanted, chose which trim pack you wanted and added any options. Same as any other car really.

[LooseCannon]

Thanks for the info. And you are right, I have seem Lussos with windy windows

[V6Alfisti]

To confuse things more..I have a 156 Turismo with Leather and as it was the interior facelift model, it also has Bose as standard,which the later/earlier cars only listed as an option (even on the 2005 156 Veloce I once had).

This is a pretty comprehensive list of the differences

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/equipment/Summary.as...