The redesigned Alfa Romeo 166 offers, apart from the addition of two 179 kW 3,2-litre V6 engined models, three specification levels and three interior options.The redesigned Alfa Romeo 166 offers, apart from the addition of two 179 kW 3,2-litre V6 engined models, three specification levels and three interior options… classic, elegant and sport.
T he range consists of the 3,2 V6 Progression, 3,2 V6 TI and the 3,0 Distinctive automatic. The 3,0 is fitted with a 164 kW V6 and the 3,2 with the 24-valve V6 previously offered only on the GTA versions of the 156 and 147. The 3,2 unit is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the 3,0 V6 is available with a four-speed Sportronic electronic automatic transmission.
The new Alfa 166 TI has been tailored for motorsport enthusiasts, and features a lowered ride-height, distinctive badging and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the TI is distinguishable from its 166 siblings by black leather seats with an embroidered TI logo in red. The same sporty look extends to the TI logo on the aluminium sill plate and red instrument panel lighting.
As can be seen in our pictures, the front end has been fully redesigned. The grille is more upright and forms, together with the two side air intakes, the traditional three-part Alfa motif. The big shield’s upper edge follows the bonnet and plunges down to break the bumper line. Also note the new light cluster arrangement.
A side view of the new 166 shows some of the chrome trim carried over from the previous model – on the door handles, roof outline and door sills. When viewed from behind, the New Alfa 166 has a slightly drooping rear end with slim wraparound taillights and a sporty, tapered bumper. The range will be offered in Alfa Red, Kyalami Black, Cernobbio Green, Siena Red, Spoleto Grey, Dolceacqua Grey, Lampedusa Blue, Rialto Grey, Marostica Grey, and Pergusa Black, Fiat Auto SA announced on Tuesday.
Inside, the leather-trimmed cabin has a new central console display with modern, metallic finishes. The ventilation ducts (central diffuser and five front intlets) are outlined in chrome. There are two drawers and oddments compartments in the side panels, console and central armrest.
The Classic trim consists of shades of grey and the Elegance bright shades of beige. The Sport trim combines black (seats, facia and door panels) and grey (mats and console panel). Customers can also choose from four different types of facia according to version and trim level: a black “sports” facia, an “elegant” facia in shades of beige and a “classic” facia in shades of grey.
Standard interior equipment includes an automatic climate control system, electrically-adjustable front seats, hi-fi system with 10 speakers and CD changer, trip computer to record the main trip parameters (fuel consumption, distance from destination, range etc) governed by an ICS system with colour screen, remote central locking, cruise control, bi-Xenon headlights, rain and parking sensor, follow-me-home lights and multi-function steering wheel.
Active sensor ABS with electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, front airbags, sidebags and window bags, electronic seat-belt pretensioners, adjustable head-rests, fire prevention system and an ALFA CODE II antitheft system make up the 166 range’s safety specification.
Fiat Auto South Africa offers Alfa 166 owners a 12-month/unlimited distance manufacturer’s warranty, an additional 24-month/100 000 km (total distance) extended dealer’s warranty, three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation. A 36month/60 000km maintenance plan is standard.