Faults:

Nothing yet, but it's early days (!!)

General Comments:

You read a lot of complaints about the Selespeed, but I think they've improved it a lot.

It still takes some getting used to and I think you are better off shifting manually rather than relying on the "city" mode, which seems to stay in first too long for smooth starts (which must be why some report lurchiness at low speeds). More fundamentally, City mode doesn't let you fully take advantage of the performance on downshifting, engine braking etc., which would be a shame to miss out on. It's fantastic!

Once you get used to shifting, it is very smooth. Do not drive it like a full automatic, which it is not. Whether in automatic or manual shift mode you need to ease off the throttle on the upshift to get a nice smooth change, so you might as well pay attention to the revs and shift manually to time the change/throttle properly to avoid lurches and other surprises. Don't stay too long in first unless you are gunning it.

Selespeed gives you really quick automatic double-clutch on downshifts at speed, which sounds incredible and pushes you nicely back into the seat.

It's not a sports car, but it's got lots of headroom at motorway speeds.

Something I'm still sorting out is how they've programmed the selespeed to automatically downshift as you slow down, meaning that if you are coming into a fast turn and try to downshift yourself you may unexpectedly drop two gears. Not nice.

Steering is a very nice weight and although the suspension is a bit stiff I don't think it's as bad as people complain. It is a very confident car in fast corners.

I've only had it over 500 miles so far, but for what it's worth nothing's gone wrong, even with the electronics (which I assumed would have a glitch or two by now). I think they've done a lot to improve build quality.

Storage space is the only obvious problem so far (but I knew this from the test drive). The glove box can't even house the owners manual, and the various storage compartments really can't take anything more than a deck of cards. The boot is not very large either. But you know all this.

I think you get a lot of value: much cheaper than what you pay for a 3 series to get the same performance, same for Audi TT, Audi A4, Mercedes SLK etc. (assuming the reliability holds for me, of course!!)

Faults:

The car has been fault free.

General Comments:

My first Alfa was a 147 2.0 Twin Spark, replacing a Fiat Punto. It was an absolutely beautiful car inside and out, in my opinion the most elegant in it's class. It handles well and was well built, but did not have as much 'go' in it as I expected a 150bhp Alfa to have. However, this review is not for the 147!!!

I chose the Alfa Romeo Sportwagon as a car because while I needed some good load lugging ability, I didn't need the 'full on' capacity of say a VW Passat or a Volvo estate. The car I would have, also had to be the most stylish in it's class, which in my opinion it is, but the main reason for choosing this car, is that it is an Alfa!

An Alfa Romeo has obvious character and a hidden, subtle character that is hard to pin down, but stemming from the badge itself and the motoring history of the marque.

Engine choice was an easy one for me. A petrol 1.6 or a 1.8 was not on the list. The 150bhp 2.0 Twin Spark is the same as in the 147, but although it sounds great, would have even less pulling power in the heavier 156. The 2.5 V6 just drinks too much fuel as does the £10,000 more 3.2 V6 GTA version.

The 2.4 litre, 5 cylinder engine with a standard 150 bhp engine which pulls like a train with a gruff, warbling engine note was the version I chose for it's blend of power and economy.

Body roll is well controlled and handling is good, but not outstanding. Low speed ride on the standard suspension of the Lusso version is OK, but can get a bit bouncy when pressing on over bumpy backroads.

The 5 speed manual gearbox is slick and great to use and the seats clad in natural leather are both comfortable and grippy.

Build quality and reliability (so far at least) can't be faulted. The perception of Alfas rusting and breaking down is a myth.

What isn't a myth however, is the dealers. Their aftersales and service at times can be truly appalling.