ALFA ROMEO 146 HATCHBACK 1995-2001 Review
Good Points
- The car has a nice sounding engine
- Exclusive styling
Bad Points
- Poor build quality
- Terrible turning-circle
Engines
Earlier models came with a powerful engine from the Alfa 33 which came with either a 1600cc or 1700cc. In 1996, the beginning of the Twin Spark engines came along with a variety of steering and suspension tweaks. These engines debuted with the 1.6-litre (102bhp), 1.8-litre T.Spark 16V engine with a bhp of 142 and the 2.0-litre petrol and JTD diesel engines. Both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines feature a variable inlet manifold that provides improved torque across the engine speed range and were also equipped with "quick rack" steering which improved the steering responsiveness of the car but decreased the already poor turning circle of the vehicle.
Performance & Economy
The 1.8-litre engine will return about 32mpg if you are light-footed on the throttle pedal, but the throaty engine will probably prove too tempting, so you"re more likely to see an average consumption figure of 27mpg. This economy isn"t too bad and will probably be enough to keep fans of the car happy. The diesel options will provide better economy but lose some of the magic of the car.
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Introduction
Alfa Romeo introduced the 146 (95-01) hatchback during a motor show in Turin in 1994 which was aimed at targeting the small families market. Alfa launched the 146 when there was extensive competition in the market for hatchback cars as they wanted a larger share of the market.
Exterior & Interior
The Alfa 146 (95-01) is a five-door hatchback with the attractive and pleasant styling of a mini saloon. Inside there is a blunt cut-way dashboard and complex stalk controls which don"t make it easy for the driver to operate, although the high driving position will please some. The 146 offers plenty of leg room for backseat passengers and the boot is significantly bigger than that of its counterpart, the three-door Alfa 145. On the exterior the galvanized bodywork helps to keep the rust to a minimum but this isn"t the most stylish of Alfa"s.
Drive
As the 146 was based around the Fiat groups Tipo platform, the car was praised for its handling and responsive steering as Alfa preserved the latter"s fundamental suspension on the front with the trailing arms located at the back which optimized the conventional Alfa Romeo treatment and the driving experience for its drivers. With its responsive steering, it gives its drivers an excellent handling and powerful braking system. It has an energetic and lovely sounding, throaty Twin Spark 16-valve engine and a positive gear-change.
Faults & Repairs
The Alfa 146 Hatchback is definitely a cheap buy as prices have hit rock bottom. However, it is quite expensive to maintain with the cambelt needing to be changed every 60 000 miles and the suspension bushes, which tend to be the most vulnerable part, should be expected to need changing at least once whilst being under ones ownership.
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