The Alfa Romeo 156 is a mid-size car produced by the iconic Italian brand Alfa Romeo. Launched in 1997, it was available as both a saloon and a Sportwagon (estate). The vehicle's body design is striking, with a dynamic wedge-shaped silhouette and elegantly hidden rear door handles that give it the appearance of a coupé. Designed by Walter de’Silva, the 156 was one of his most acclaimed creations and earned the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1998.
This model marked a new era for Alfa Romeo, a brand historically known for reliability issues and corrosion problems. With the 156, Alfa made significant improvements, including full-body galvanization to combat rust. However, persistent electrical system faults remained a common issue.
Under the bonnet, the Alfa 156 featured the well-known Twin Spark petrol engines, ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres. The engine lineup also included a powerful 2.5-litre V6 and efficient 1.9 and 2.4-litre JTD diesel engines. The suspension was tuned for a sporty and firm ride, delivering excellent handling and road confidence. However, on rougher roads—such as those commonly found in Poland—frequent suspension repairs may be necessary.
Inside, the Alfa 156 comfortably accommodates four passengers. The saloon version offers a luggage capacity of 378 litres, with slightly more space available in the estate variant.
In 2002, Alfa Romeo introduced the high-performance GTA version, powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine. This model also featured a revised suspension and a sporty body kit to enhance its aggressive styling. A facelift followed in 2003, designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, further refining the car’s aesthetics.
The factory tyre sizes for the Alfa Romeo 156 are: 185/65 R15, 225/45 R17, and 225/55 R17.
Optional tyre sizes include 205/55 R16 and 205/60 R15.