Alfa Romeo 166 3.0-Litre V6 Sportronic Road Test Report

For the past couple of years the Alfa Romeo 166 has been the top of the range model from the Italian manufacturer. Accordingly, the 166 is a luxury vehicle offering a comprehensive equipment package, while maintaining the type of sports car handling and performance synonymous with the Alfa Romeo brand. The recent release of the 2002 model Alfa Romeo 166 has seen the model receive a number of detail changes. New inclusions for the 2002 model 166 include a further equipment hike in addition to new suspension settings and 17 inch alloy wheels. The new 166 is claimed to offer improved road holding while providing a more comfortable ride.

In line with the previous model, the Alfa Romeo 166 is available with only one engine and transmission in Australia. The 166 is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 quad camshaft engine that produces 166 kW of power at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque figure of 275 Nm at 5000 rpm. While the power is unchanged from the previous model, the engine has been changed to meet new Euro 3 emission rules overseas, which has reduced emissions by up to 80 per cent.

Alfa Romeo’s adaptive ‘Sportronic’ electronic automatic transmission complements the V6 engine and is standard fitment. It is a four speed transmission that allows the driver to choose between sequential manual operation and an automatic mode. When operated as an automatic, the gearbox continually adapts to the driving style and type of route in order to determine the desired gear and gearchange characteristics.

In line with the 166’s position as the range topper for Alfa Romeo, it is equipped with a long list of standard equipment and luxury features. New inclusions for the 2002 model include a GSM digital mobile phone integrated into the dashboard as part of the Integrated Control System (ICS) and the electric seats gain a three memory setting for the driver’s seat. The centre dashboard mounted ICS utilises an 8 cm LCD screen to control a number of major features in the Alfa Romeo 166. The ICS controls the audio system, trip computer, climate control and ventilation system and the mobile phone system. Other standard features include a hand crafted leather interior (seats, steering wheel and gearknob), electric and heated front seats with driver’s seat memory, power windows, automatic climate control system, 17 inch alloy wheels (including spare), remote controlled door and boot opening, electric door mirrors with demist function, 8 speaker sound system with remote CD stacker and trip computer, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and an immobiliser. The level of sophistication available in the Alfa 166 is also born out in the array of safety features fitted to the vehicle. These items include ABS brakes, front seat belts which are equipped with pretensioners and are height adjustable, windscreen wiper rain sensor, fire prevention system, two front airbags and front seat side airbags.

The Alfa Romeo 166 retails for $79,900, which does not include dealer charges or on-road costs. With such a comprehensive list of standard features, factory fitted options are limited to metallic paint and an electric sunroof.

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