Five years ago it came to the Irish market and, as in other European markets, it transformed the fortunes and image of Alfa Romeo. Now the 156 has been modernised and "tidied up" thanks to the designer, Giorgio Giugiano.
It's still recognisably 156 but the grille is deeper and more pronounced, the headlights play a stronger role and the whole fronted aspect is more aggressive. Inside, changes include a redesigned fascia and new fabrics and materials are used.
The 156 attracted a big following from "user chosen" corporate customers and Michael Howe, Fiat Auto Ireland managing director, speaking at the launch of the new-look range on Monday, said he expected its appeal there to stay strong. "We now have the widest possible choice with no fewer than 33 models ranging from 1.6 litre to a 2.5 litre V6. Among the diesels, we have our 1.9 and 2.4 litre cars with the innovative Multijet technology will win us friends combining both exceptional performance and exceptional frugality."
There are saloon and sport wagon or estate body shop on three levels of specifications, Veloce, Lusso and Ti. Ti which has been restored to the Alfa nomenclature has a sporty suspension set-up, wide tyres, site skirts and alloy wheels. Irish recommended on-the-road prices start at €27,750 for the 1.6 twin sparks 120 saloon. Top of the range 2.5 V6 saloon with 195 is automatic form with the Ti specification is €41,500.
Alfa's modernisation of the 156 is a relatively short-term measure - an all-new model will debut within the next two years. The original car won much of its appeal because of its styling flair and that will be a key element in Giugiano's next 156 shape, looks that characterise an aggressive and sporty image. Significantly the original 156 was styled by Walter de Silva, subsequently poached by the VW Group. He has been working with Seat with instructions from the VW high command to make a Spanish rivel to the Alfa for the VW family.
The two "stars" in the new 156 line-up are the 1.9 andf 2.4 Multijet diesel models. The 1.9 gives a top speel of 129 mph accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 9.3 seconds, while the figures for the bigger 2.4 are 140 mph and 8.3 seconds.
"Even the most ardent 'petrol head' should surely be silenced by these figures," said Howe at the launch in the diplomatic splendour of the Italian ambassador's residence at Lucan. He told journalists the 1.9 should give well over 40 mpg in normal country driving. Official figures are 44mpg in rural or country runs and 35 mpg in orban areas.
The 156 has been feted with no fewer than 36 world awards, the most prestigious of which was European Car of the Year 1998 when it was chosen by a panel of 56 journalists from 21 countries.
The 156 also brought diesel into the heartland of Alfa's engine family - The Alfisti.
Alfa enthusiasts once would not have entertained diesel power but now common-rail diesel technology and Mujltijet has dramatically changed perceptions.