Rich M

Reviewed a 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 on Dec 24, 2008

A great small car package. Quick in standard trim. 2.0 DOHC Twin Spark 16v 150bhp engine provides plently of power across the range. Once over 5000rpm, the full performance is available. Sporty close ratio gearbox. Good ride and excellent handling. Front seats are not the comfiest about, but do provide adaquate support when driving ethusiastically. Room in the back is excellent, this car will comfortably sit 4 large adults. Interior is quite modern for age, but very flimsy and badly put together. Only 2 turns from lock to lock on the steering rack, which makes the Alfa lots of fun to drive. I tuned the engine on my example, by changing the ECU, and air inlet sensors and filters, and exhaust. This transformed the car into a very quick hatch with around 170bhp available at high revs. The car could easily exceed 140mph where the law allows. 98+ octane fuel had to be used, and the expensive performance oil needed to be changed every 5000 miles. Electrics like on most old Italian cars are a nightmare. Regardless of high cost issues with parts and servicing, I would reccommend this car purely from a driver's car point of view.