ALFA Romeo’s stylish and luxuriously appointed 166 large car has offered Australians a distinctive choice within the luxury sedan segment since late 1999. A worthy successor to Alfa’s popular 164, its recent mid-life facelift comprises a striking new face including a revised bonnet, bumpers, headlights and a prominent new interpretation of the Italian brand’s shield grille. But the visual updates have done little to increase 166’s competitiveness in a market dominated by seriously accomplished Germans. Despite plenty of character and interior ambience, features like a four-speed auto, a tight turning circle and less lively handling than its 156 medium sedan sibling continue to stamp the front-drive 166 as a seriously handicapped contender in a class that’s since moved well ahead of this luxurious Latin.
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Alfa Romeo 166 sedan
Released: August 99
Ended: September 04
Family Tree: 166Launched in Australia in August 1999 following its 2003 Frankfurt motor show debut, the 166 sedan replaced Alfa’s previous large sedan contender, the 164. Powered by a 166kW/275Nm 3.0-litre V6 and priced at $79,990, it received extra equipment in June 2001, before pricing increased to $84,950 in February 2003. The facelifted version tested here (which was launched in August 2004, but didn’t actually go on sale until October), continues with the same pricetag, but reduced 162kW/265Nm performance.
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