Alfa Romeo 156 2003–2007 car dimensions: 4435 mm long, 1743 mm wide and 1430 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,265 kg. Braked towing is 1,300 kg.
Manual mono-zone climate control is standard, with pollen filter. Electric front windows and height-adjustable driver seat come as standard. Cruise control and rear parking sensors are options. No Infocenter display or advanced aids on this base trim. Cloth seats and basic red-lit instruments make for a simple driver-focused cabin.
Boot space is 378 litres with the seats in place. Rear seats do not fold on the sedan.
Towing capacity reaches 1300 kg braked or 500 kg unbraked. Payload stands at 545 kg. The setup suits light duties with standard cooling and suspension.
The cabin has a driver-focused layout with red-lit instruments angled toward the driver and a black facia. Cloth seats are standard with height adjustment on the driver's side. Mono-zone manual climate control is fitted as standard along with electric front windows. The interior feels stylish and ergonomic for its era with decent front space though rear headroom is limited for taller passengers and side support on the seats is moderate.
Combined fuel use 8.2 l/100 km (urban 11.4, extra-urban 6.4)
63-litre petrol tank
Oil change every 15 000 km or 1 year
Timing belt every 60 000 km or 5 years
No Euro NCAP crash test rating
Standard kit: ABS with EBD, front/side/curtain airbags, pretensioners, Isofix
The 1.6 T.Spark petrol engine posts official NEDC figures of 8.2 l/100 km combined, 11.4 l/100 km in town and 6.4 l/100 km on the open road. The fuel tank holds 63 litres.
Routine servicing calls for an oil and filter change every 15 000 km or once a year. The timing belt on this Twin Spark unit should be replaced every 60 000 km or five years, together with the water pump and tensioners.
Safety equipment includes ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags, front seat-belt pretensioners and Isofix mounts. Vehicle Dynamic Control is optional on this engine. The model was never crash-tested by Euro NCAP.
Keep the car on schedule for belt and oil services. the Twin Spark can develop phase-variator noise and light oil use if neglected. Body protection is good but check sills and arches for corrosion. Mechanical parts remain available through specialists.
Length 4435 mm, Width 1743 mm, Height 1430 mm, Wheelbase 2595 mm (156 2003–2007)
Sources: manufacturer data, Alfa Romeo New Alfa 156 technical specification, 6 June 2003 press kit issued with the 5 June 2003 Giugiaro-restyle launch, The same kit's handling chapter, and the Sportwagon 1.6 row, Its equipment table marks driver and passenger airbags, side bags, window bags.