Jet Option

Phase 3 Fantom EDF RC Jet Plane Day 4 Part 3

The Alfa Romeo 156 is a confusing car. At first glance it looks like a two-door coupé, yet it’s actually a four-door saloon with an interior that feels Germanic. Fire up one of the diesel versions and it even sounds like a petrol unit. Styled by Giorgetto Giugaro, the 156 was launched in the UK in January 1998 and established itself as one of the best looking saloons money could buy. In an age when most cars merely toe the line, the 156 is a breath of fresh air. Six years on it remains a handsome car, and with good used examples available from £3500 it’s a tempting proposition. The heart of any Alfa Romeo is its engine. Choose the entry-level 1.6, the range-topping 250bhp V6 3.2, or anything in between, and you will not be disappointed. All produce a glorious sound, are free-revving and offer a level of driver involvement rarely found in cars costing this little. The 156 also has the honour of being the first Alfa in the UK to be powered by a diesel engine. The largest 2.4 litre five-cylinder diesel sounds gruff and powerful even when merely ticking over. With 140bhp and 224 lb ft of pulling power at just 2000rpm, it also performs very well, with 0-62mph coming up in 9.4sec. Top speed is 127mph. And the 156 is a car that encourages you to enjoy this performance. The supremely accurate steering — just 2.2 turns from lock to lock — allows you to place the car with pinpoint accuracy. Similarly, the suspension, firm and reassuring at speed, is compliant on motorways and …