Facelifted Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 Lusso

[Hc1883]

When the Alfa Romeo 166 was launched in 1998, it came as a bit of a shock. The company had a reputation for making beautiful cars, but its flagship saloon looked rather bizarre, with its drooping headlamps and a pointed nose.

 

Finally, five years later, the flagship Italian has had a significant makeover to sharpen up its appearance. Gone is the sad front, and in its place is the attractive family grille and bigger lights, similar to those on the 156 and 147. But while the front is all-new, the rest of the sharp exterior has been left alone.

 

Inside, changes include better materials and lighter colours. The 3.0-litre V6 petrol model we drove featured attractive beige leather seats and matching hide dash which, coupled with the stylish facia and instrument dials, create an upmarket feel. But while the cabin looks good, it doesn't feel as robust as those in some rival machines.

 

In addition to the cosmetic tweaks, the 166's suspension has been revised as well. The result is much improved handling, with very little body roll through corners or driving under braking. However, the downside is that the car can feel slightly fidgety over poor surfaces, while the front wheels have a tendency to tramline at low speeds.

 

But Alfas are bought for their engines, and this 3.0-litre proves why. As well as being powerful and sounding great, it works perfectly with the four-speed auto box to make overtaking effortless. For swifter progress, you can select sports mode or change manually using the console-mounted gearlever.

 

With 220bhp on tap and a healthy 265Nm of torque, the 166 sprints from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. But for breathtaking performance, you'll want the all-new 3.2-litre flagship. Taking its tuneful 240bhp engine from the scorching 156 GTA and fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, it covers the 0-62mph dash in only 7.4 seconds, and pulls eagerly throughout the rev range.

 

When the new 166 goes on sale next month, prices will start from around

[Seansene]

Finally a decent-looking nose. I've seen the 166 a couple of times in the flesh, and the headlights are way too small

[Hc1883]

In my opinion, I still think the 156 looks much better. Somehow, the 166 looks a bit too big and clumsy.

[Accenture]

u think they will bring in the 2 litre?? Or maybe they are only going to bring in the 3L and the 3.2L

[Seansene]

Agreed. I think the Alfa designers lazily tried to transplant the 156 look onto the 166 with minimal detail changes (all for the worse). It just doesn't go. Look at the previous gen BMWs for tips on applying a family look to different body sizes and proportions

[En0203]

wah chio!!

[Accenture]

yeap the 156 is still the best yet!

[Hc1883]

In the first place, will the local distributor be importing the facelifted 166 into Singapore at all? I doubt so since it will probably not do too well in terms of sales figures.

 

Besides, the 156 will probably do a better job.

[Hc1883]

[Hc1883]

Glad you like it!

[GDIzen]

Nicer but pricier...

[Vtim]

Ah! now the front looks much better

[Vtim]

for me, if I can afford it, I'll go for the 166, need the boot & rear seat space

[Cloverleaf]

Agreed. I think the Alfa designers lazily tried to transplant the 156 look onto the 166 with minimal detail changes (all for the worse). It just doesn't go. Look at the previous gen BMWs for tips on applying a family look to different body sizes and proportions

 

not true. the 166 was actually designed and conceived a few years earlier than the 156, it was to replace the ageing pininfarina 164 saloon. but somehow the launch was delayed and the 156 was launched before it, which is why the car's dynamics was criticised to be a few years 'behind' by the time it was launched.

[Cloverleaf]

In my opinion, I still think the 156 looks much better. Somehow, the 166 looks a bit too big and clumsy.

 

i find the 166 has the most beautiful and aggressive rear.

[Seansene]

You're right. It was delayed over major suspension changes (Fiat's CEO found the development car's handling unsatisfactory) Thanks

[Hc1883]

I guess beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

[Super7]

actually i find the 166, being bigger, looks good with the similar curves and flowing lines in the body design!!!