| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| The Alfa Romeo 146 is a five door hatchback family car that is small in size and sporty. The design is similar to the Ford Escort and Renault Megane. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| Not tested |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 ti 5-door |
| Worst Models |
| Early 1.6ie and 1.7 16v |
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| Road Test |
The history of the Alfa Romeo gives you assurance that twin spark engines 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 will be a lot of fun to drive. There were many positive improvements in 1997 on the ABS brakes and chassis so the later models are the ones to look out for.
With a lighter frame on the 2.0 TS Cloverleaf a sports kit and having the suspension lowered you are likely to beat a Mk 3 Golf GTi 16v in a 0-60
The Alfa Romeo 146 after 1997 has finely tuned steering and tight suspension but the drive is not always that controlled.
Inside the Alfa Romeo 146 there is plenty of room for a family with five doors and lots of extra space for luggage or shopping. The interior design of the 146 is ageing but the seating is still comfortable.
There is just enough standard equipment in the lower specification 146 and the high end models are fully loaded only the air conditioning was an additional option.
The Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 are fun to drive and cheap to buy but the safety record is not the best compared to the current standards. The popular Fiat Bravo and Fiat Brava scored just two stars in the NCAP ratings. Reliability is alright but not the best so keep an eye on the service history when buying an Alfa Romeo 146. |
| Positive Points |
- Alfa's zestful Twin Spark engines
- Eclipsed by the Alfa 147, so excellent value
- Much cheaper than a Golf GTi
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| Negative Points |
- Can be troublesome unless carefully maintained
- Half-sister to Fiat's Bravo/Brava family runabouts
- Pre-1997 cars have inferior engines and are less fun
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