Style never went out of fashion

Style never out of fashion with these urbane Italians

It may not be the type of estate car from which you will find a pair of Irish Setters staring out through the rear tailgate - in fact it would be more suitable for a pair of Chihuahuas - but this should not take away from the fact that the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon really is a class act.

At this moment in time the phraseology used in describing a car with four doors and an extended glass area can vary from one manufacturer to another. The word ‘estate’ is presently growing out of fashion and Alfa Romeo endorses this by calling their extended 156 a sportwagon.

Alfa is not the first car manufacturer to move away from the term ‘estate’.

BMW calls its extended Three Series the Touring. Volvo calls its 40 model the V40, and Audi has christened its estate A4 the Avant.

In a way, it was wise of Alfa Romeo not to call the new 156 an estate. The word in most people’s minds tends to describe extended saloons which have been designed to carry a maximum amount of luggage.

Alfa’s new Sportwagon does not come anywhere near to being a load carrier big enough to allow a commercial traveller, for instance, to carry a sufficient selection of their wares without having to opt for van transport.

VERSATILITY
So Alfa has not put itself on a pedestal to be kicked off it. Instead of building a crate onto a saloon car like Toyota did to the Corolla Estate, the Italian car-maker opted for style with appropriate versatility.

Alfa quite rightly aimed the Sportwagon at the executive saloon and built a pretty vehicle to compete with the BMWs, Audis and Volvos of this world.

In my view it would have been a sin to spoil the unique style of the 156 in favour of accommodating two large dogs in the back. Instead, the designers succeeded in deploying clever space within the vehicle that retains classic lines.

They did this by having a roof line which slopes downwards instead of the common upward trend. The style is very coupe-like and it’s because of this unique sporting design that I can foresee this car appealing to those who don’t regularly try carrying the bedroom wardrobe around with them.

Items such as the redesigned rear doors which still have hidden handles like the saloon and the recessed rear window with the roof spoiler parked above which helps towards an impressive 0.30 Cd factor all blend together to give an unattained visual appearance.

ENJOYMENT
Nor does the extra space created to make this car a wagon diminish the driver’s enjoyment of the Alfa’s sporting characteristics. To sort out any structural rigidity problems which are inherent in all estate cars without a rear bulk-head, the 156 has been reinforced in the floor pan, roof and pillar areas.

Tested in 1.8 litre format, the 156 Sportwagon handles with much the same sure-footedness as the saloon. Proving absolutely rattle-free, the 156’s rear load space is fractionally smaller than the saloon’s. But when the rear seats are folded down, space grows to 1,180 cubic metres. Access to the luggage compartment is via a tailgate that is hinged well forward along the roof.

While the load lip is high and there is much suspension intrusion into the flat load area, I admired the thought and skill that went into supplying the multiple securing positions in the load area. Nets with anchor points are supplied to keep cargo under control when driving. A retractable luggage cover can be extended to conceal valuables and a nice touch is the floor cover, which can be overturned from carpet finish to plastic to allow such things as soggy boots, small wet dogs or items from the beach to be accommodated.

The 156 may well be approaching its third birthday, but the car’s interior wears well. Besides being very functional and coming with a quality finish, it manages to retain a modern image.

The 1.8 litre Twin Spark engine worked well, every one of the 144 horses supplied under the bonnet being required. There is a great willingness, though, about this 1.8 litre engine. It will propel the 1,280 kg body from 0-62 mph in 9.6 seconds and, if you bring it to a German autobahn, it will reach 131 mph.

For those wanting to tow, the more powerful 2.0 litre 155 bhp engine might be the better option, or better still, the 2.4 JDT unit should be considered.

The 156 Sportswagon not only has a pleasing, pretty style, but it has, I’m glad to report, retained the same driving fun element as the saloon. It’s comfortable but slightly restricted in rear legroom, handles with precision and is powered by an engine which produces a unique music under its bonnet.

Its gear change is slick and steering feedback is good, apart from the poor lock which only allows for a poor turning circle.

Overall, this well finished, beautifully styled model simply puts its cards on the table and unequivocally states that it’s not for those with big estate car needs. It’s aimed more at those who want a certain amount of versatility without sacrificing the sportiness and saloon-like drivability.

Equipment includes ABS and EBD (Electronic Braking Distribution), remote central locking, air conditioning, front and side air bags, stereo radio/CD player and electric front and rear windows. The 16” alloy wheels are also standard, along with painted side skirts and a leather covered steering wheel. The Alfa Selespeed transmission system is available on the 2.0 litre for an additional £1,100.