Alfa 166 car review - Top Gear - BBC

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The Top Gear team review the Alfa Romeo 166 car. Well, you would do if you had the chance! The fast V6 engine and cool Italian design make this car one of the finest rides in Britain.
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[@TiborVisnai]

I have a 166 3.0 V6 Super (MOMO+NAVI+TEL+AUT.GEAR+10x BOSE speakers) but I can and will not write down, how it's feels driving this car. You must try out one to feel something indescribable!

[@IHATEYANKS41]

God bless those who bought these cars brand new for us to buy used for cheap

[@eurosonly]

And thank them for their service and for being financially well off and having great taste!

[@kris18shadow]

I own a 99' 166 and it works perfectly fine. No electric problems, everything works. I drive it every day, even now in winter -20C.

[@Kons213]

I swear it's been 14 years since the launch of that car, and it still looks absolutely fabulous.

[@INUMIMI28]

It's sad that there are few cars on the market today that focus on feeling and passion rather than performance. It's like the whole industry has become frigid

[@johanneswarn5488]

Well written. It's not all about the numbers, as James May often proves. The sensation is just as important. I love my 166 really much.

[@8g8819]

+Jonka Olofsson The next year you can buy the new Alfa Giulia, amazing Alfa

[@tassoskard8157]

I also own one just like this. I own it, second hand one of the few lucky ones who found one :) only 2 years old (I own it 7 years now) and I loved it at first sight. The only think I don't like is that Alfa has not produced a newer 166 to buy one. It's a really great great car. If I ever sell it I'll loose a piece of my self

[@piratescoron]

I had a 3.2 166. ,i adored it. Everytime I drove it, it made me smile. I have owend many nice cars like a 5 seris BMW an Escort RS1600, executive cars and sporty cars, but the Alfa 166 was and still is my favorite car I've owend.

[@SRAMEK]

I have two of them. It's quite interesting, how much better the 166 is than any other Alfa from that time. If You for example sit in a 147 or 156, GTV (916), most of them really fall apart, even the "nice " ones. The 166 is quite well put together...

[@SPINNER673]

My mum used to have a 156 it was lovely, but it went through two engines and a gearbox. A new 159 I WANT ONE!

[@DJBremen]

I got a 166 in 1999 and i love it, gets an unbelievable amount of attention here in the states

[@Akyuz1000]

I just love Alfa and all the other Italian car and bike makers they have a god given tallent

[@SmoothCriminal1994]

Everybody has it's own favorite car. But there is only one ca company that can make that special feeling which Jeremy is explaning in this short movie. Alfa Romeo is a beautiful Car. Everyone likes An Audi, BMW or Mercedes. That's a standard. But Alfa Romeo, has a little group of people around the world, which are obsessed by these cars that Alfa Romeo build. And I'm one of them. Because I'm driving an Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6. And that's a wonderfull car.

[@bullet50000]

already got a 2006 166 shipped from Turin 1 and a half years ago with the engine in th 147 GTA

[@PeaveyPV20]

I have an alfa 156 1.6 t sparker wiv leather on a y plate and its depreciated like hell but one hell of a drive

[@igotnoideawhattoput]

I find it so sad every time I walk past a car dealing street near my home in Australia. The Merc, Audi and BMW show rooms were 3-storey buildings with panaromic tinted glass windows whereas the Alfa showroom, which contains some of my favourite cars, is a 90 sm place with a couple of desks. It shares space with FIAT too.

[@MrkiMash]

Italian cars are the best! :D

[@EccentricRichard]

My parents have run two BMW 318i Tourings (one 1989, one 1999) and neither ever needed head gasket replacement - though the newer suffers from annoying little things (continual coolant leak, engine management warning light often on erroneously, occasional erroneous brake warnings). Sold the older one to become a track racer, but the other's still here (though today we're going to view a 2002 520i with a view to replacing the 318i).

[@castironbandito]

Alfa Romeo has always made nice cars and the 166 is no exception. Alfa Romeos are like the Mona Pizza of Italian cars. You'll enjoy everything single thing about their cars and you'll never get tired of owning one. It's sad when Alfa Romeo left the North American market in 1995. Luckily, Alfa Romeo has recently returned to North America and yes, they're reputation is still there. I've heard that Alfa Romeo cars are unreliable, but who cares about reliability when you have a car that lets you know that you have great taste in cars?. Heck, Mitsubishis were also known for reliability issues, but they still made great cars. Even the Mazda 626 was known for it's transmission problems, but it's still a great car and has that oscillating vent feature that wasn't present in the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or even the Ford Taurus. A wise man once said "You're not a true petrolhead until you have owned an Alfa Romeo". Buicks, Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Saabs, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, Alfa Romeos, Volkswagens, BMWs, Audis, Volvos and anything that Mercedes-Benz has made are cars that every petrolhead should have.

[@Archman155]

23 years. That's how old my dad's Alfa 155 is. You won't know what that is, they never sold it in North America, but it isn't unreliable. It has gone across to Scotland and back (from England) with no problems. It even went to Italy and back with 0 problems a few years ago..

[@marintoss]

Alfa Romeo is one perfect looking car and that 159, 147 and 8C are just insanely beautiful and good :)

[@josephlewis9237]

Wonderful car. The Alfa 166 was rare even when I was a small boy. I only saw one when I was a small boy and I liked it. I can see it becoming a future classic.

[@Proxo20]

i got 166 too :))) and jeremy is right!!,the car is so pretty that u just forget about the other things..

[@MisterCJ87]

My father have a '99 alfa 156 2.0 twin spark!!!Awesome car!!he try also the 166 and the 156 GTA!The 3.2 v6 24 valvole is a marvelous engine!!!W the 156,166,brera,147,159 and 75!!!ALFA ROMEO RULES!!!

[@Stevieboy130664]

Used to own a 166 - the older BETTER LOOKING one. I must be the only person who thinks that - silver with black leather interior - utterly gorgeous. Mind you the engine blew at 27000 miles - I'm afraid I used the ignition cutout to tell me when to change gear - the smoothest sexiest in-line four engine of all time. Handled nicely as well and had the best seats I've ever come across(I'm 6')

[@hanmerdan]

You have to forget depreciation. Drive it for what it is . Love it .

[@nicegixxer]

having never owned/ driven an Alfa, I cannot say good or bad. just surprised they talk so highly, yet complain. I ritually watch the show, love it, and it's always the same thing. Alfa is a car for people who love cars, and love to fix them...Thank you for the clarification on the sponsorship...

[@budbarker57]

That engine is a version of the GM High Feature V6. Don't bristle or kvetch. It's a great engine. The LFX version going into the new Camaro makes 327 PS (241 kW) and has headers integrated into the heads, tuned to balance back pressure. What it lacks however is aesthetics. The chrome inlet pipes/intake runners are truly epic and it makes me wonder if the Alfa plenum and pipes will work on the LFX. I have high hopes as I've already seen an Alfa owner running a Ferrari throttle body on the 3.2.

[@Suprahampton]

According to certain sources the main reason the 166 failed in the UK was the lack of a diesel option available here.. .thats why fleet & company car buyers stuck to BMW & Merc etc.. It's a shame because the 166 is a gorgeous car, I have a 75 & I love it to death, yes it has gremlins in the electrics but it's wonderful

[@rebel8305]

Italian Cars better then Germans😉🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@alkisleonardos2411]

a

[@Walidrs3]

Nice joke

[@alfisti1999]

Splendid car. A true work of art and a darn fine car too. For those people of good taste who think for themselves I may add.

[@toshishimura]

Pinin500, Alfa's also have pedigree, Enzo Ferrari drove for them, as did Ascari and Enzo was team manager when they won the first ever F1 championship. He formed 'Scuderia Ferrari' with a head full of Alfa Romeo. You buy your Alfa with your heart and it'll never break it. Mines a GT 2.0 JTS

[@sw1000xg]

Was thinking of getting a Rover 75 just for a run around, but I loved my 414 the sound system was ace from factory (not bought) MP3 CD player (bought) and it was excellent...and im an audio enthusiast, surround sound and all that...

[@curves48]

Great car. Own one 3 years now. Never regret it!

[@rogerpoltera]

I own an alfa 166 like this. It is the classiest thing on wheels, after a maser of course. better seats than any mercedes or audi. definitively made for the driver to feel wonderful while drivin it.

[@Benthaitakeaway]

im lookin to maby get a alfa romeo for a 1st car but the only thing that puts me off is the fact that they ( most of the ones im looking at ) are FF. is that a problem though?? considering its a FF? and a alfa romeo? thanks

[@Danial0152]

I love this Alfa

[@Waltzoo]

In Finland there was a factory producing Porches, but now theres some other car that will take it's place. And yes Finland doesn't have any car companies, due to the fact they would cost alot more than cars from bigger factories like volkswagen etc. We only have something like tractor and truckcompanies here, since they can actually compete with other bigger brands. But nevertheless I like almost all sort of cars, as long as they work, look good and drive good.

[@bichoorojo]

@antystc You are right, V6 3.2 is from GM, V6 3.0 is the Busso

[@ianlorenc]

@Guid0o7 I agree with you completely...except on the numberplate. That point of asymmetry ruins the front end for me. I'd remove the front plate plus holder and just pay the resulting fines. Stick it back on for the MOT.

[@chapmasi]

@ManuelFerara Until recently I had a 166 2.0 Lusso for nearly 6 years. They are not cheap to run, cambelt service was £807, last major service was £1067, it did average 28-32mpg and was group 16 insurance..... and the remote central locking used to pissed me off when it chose not to work, but it was the most reliable car I've ever owned. I was choked when the buyer drove it away. It was special, it was stunning outside and inside and i never ever got bored of driving it. Really miss it :(

[@THOMASOAKMAN]

my 1974 Mercury Montego MX Brougham, and my Neighbors 1973 Lincoln Continental Mark 4, are 1 - More comfortable ride, 2 - supply more power, 3- and are just alot out awsome.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Lovely car. Actually much more reliable than people think, and won't rust due to galvanised body shell. The 3.2 is a masterpiece. Unfortunately values are now way up, and a nice LHD one in Europe is over 10k EUR.

[@boop145]

they don't sell alfa romeo in america, you could get it shipped here but there isn't any dealerships

[@Dani-it5sy]

Imagine no one buying this absolutely stunning car because it depreciated so much. And now everyone is enthusiastic about EVs which, once the market has settled, will depreciate exactly like this dream car. This will be the future. In 10 years from now, when people have figured out that buying a used EV is pure gambling, this video might as well have been for any EV on the market.

[@Waffleater1]

I guess you're right on the competition. I never said it was a bad car, just the styling needs to be updated and the interior too. I love alfas, but they need to work on better interiors in my mind. Looks a little bit cheap. But what do I know? I drive a 2006 Audi A4 - 85,000 miles. Not bad and no problems at all. WOW on your BMW. That's really reliable. :)

[@MacedonOhrid]

When you buy an alfa,you don't need to sell it.Alfa romeo is a car for life time,it's ahead of the time.I own Alfa 166 and i have no idea to sell it, and i thing that never gonna be an option. GOD I LOVE THIS CAR :)

[@yamaha825]

@MRRRKOOLLL is the Ferrari reliable when you drive it every day?

[@birdman3120]

@TyrantM1 I thought I would correct you about the computer being an American invention. Konrad Zuse was the inventor of the first modern computer. Charles Babbage (an Englishman), often known as "the father of computers", just made a mechanical computing machine.

[@StarsMarsRadio]

Thank you, it's ironic that it was that song, I just lost 4 friends in a car accident. danny boy tends to be a funeral song, i just got back from the candel light memorial

[@TheCarArchives96]

the 1998-2007 Alfa Romeo 166 was assembled in Rivalta plant, Turin, Italy (1998-2002)[1] Comprensorio di Mirafiori, Turin, Italy

[@alexshepherd]

Depreciation really is bad - but that means you can buy a 2002-model (i.e. pre-facelift) 166 for about a tenth of the new price. You try and find any Audi or BMW for the same money - you can't, even much older models that really aren't as good. As Jeremy says, it's not just about what the car can do, it's about how it makes you feel! I love my 164; I plan to try a 166 soon. If you compare these cars with similarly-priced hatchbacks - actually feel how they drive - there's no contest. Bravo Alfa!

[@dannyDC2]

I'll upload a HD version of this if anyone wants? Since I live in the town at the end lol... its not too bad these days tho!

[@trobi]

Actually I don't know because the 156 has also disappeared. The 159 mixes both 156 and 166..it's a really nice car. Sorry if I didn't help you very much.

[@lostre77]

I've checked and I would like you to see closely to the part where it refers to Alfa romeo. You clearly will see that there is no reference to the 166. It refers only to the Brera, the Spider and the 159. These models use the GM V6 since 2005. The GM H.F.V6 was introduced in 2004. That episode of Top gear was first aired in 16th of May 2004 (Se04 Ep02). But on Top Gear in Se02 Ep08 aired on the 6th of July 2003 we see the same 3.2 V6 in the147 GTA test. So GM is quick and can travel back in time

[@Ernie1990]

Yeah the E-type is stunning. Must've been an instant classic when it was introduced. I've always liked Jags, but I'm kind of disappointed with their new design direction. Even though the new XF looks great, it will never have the same timeless beauty of the XJ. I could say the same for BMW. I like the new cars, but none of their current designs can beat the E38 7 Series on timeless style (the E38 is my favorite car ever) :)

[@MilitantOldLady]

@hanmerdan its 2010...by now, there are no new ones anymore, so you are actually at an advantage...you buy a second hand 166 for 5000 quid and are happy with it not worrying about loosing money

[@Z1CAUSEDEATH]

I love the 75. magnificent car

[@victor999R]

oopppps if people drive an alfa they would change what they think. That happened to me and 2 brohers of mine. Now we all have got 3 great alfa (two 156 and one 166). Fantastic cars. When i see somebody driving a bmw or audi or whatever car I only think they didn't test an alfa jeje!! Does anybody know when will be known any news about 169's?

[@Ernie1990]

What a pretty car. Alfa is coming to the USA in a couple years and I'm excited to see if they do well. I would love to have the new MiTo model. I hope we get that one here in the states. I'd definitely consider it when my lease expires on my Volkswagen. I bet it gets amazing mileage with a diesel engine and manual transmission. Looks damn fun to drive too. :) Makes me smile just thinking of it. Unfortunately, most people here are too preoccupied with SUVs to appreciate cars like this.

[@bellevueace6]

Easy now. I'm sure you can put your views forward without accusing people you don't know as 'stupid'. I have a Giuseppe Busso-designed V6 in my GT - the last Alfa to use the Arese-built motor. The 2.2 litre four cylinder and the 3.2 litre six cylinder motor are both based on GM cast-iron blocks (specifically sourced from Holden in Australia). Busso and Satta (who will be well-known to Alfisti) would turn in their graves since they advocated all-alloy motors, built to a standard and not a cost.

[@dh3im]

why everyone hates FWD??? i don't think that 0.1 secs less in 0-100kmh tests are worth the unpredictable behaviour of BWD... maybe it's just me, but i love the feel of front traction, expecially with the new Q2 system... it rocks!

[@Suprahampton]

I have the 3L V6 model... it's true the 75's styling is odd just as was the 33 & the 90. We know that the Italians can make gorgeous cars, the 75 can never be described thusly it IS however unconventional & thats what I like about it, it's not pretty but it's not ugly.... it's different

[@dietercabral]

the editors are fantastic!

[@chapmasi]

@ManuelFerara I changed the Clutch when it got to 90,000 miles, but no other major problems. treat her right and she will treat you right :)

[@Monacomaverick]

I wish Alfa would get it's act together, because I would love to see them be successful not only in Europe, but here in the States. Style, marketing, and performance are all standard features, but their reputation for poor reliability and dealer service sort of ruins all of that. I'd still buy one if I had an extra 30K laying around though..

[@Oddman1980]

I never understood why depreciation (sp?) was such an issue. By the time I buy a car, the old one has stopped running, and cannot be repaired anymore. Which means it's time to buy a new one.

[@Mik5OO]

@Pinin500 Actually I have an Alfa (156-facelift) used to have a BMW (18-years old 3 series) and I have to say You cant beat an Alfa, it really is a fantastic car

[@utubeski42]

@bichoorojo no, that is an original ARESE engine plant alfa v6. The 3.2l is in common with teh older 156 and 147 GTA. Yes the 159, brera etc got the twin phaser GM based engine, of the same displacement but is totally different.... but this... this marvel is the arese.... they look totally different.... the chromed intake pipes, the intake plenum the alfa script on the front bank alloy coil-pack cover.... the GM-sourced engine, u are only looking at a plastic cover :(

[@kris18shadow]

I've bought a 166 2.0 TS yesterday and I love it !!!

[@gcmc2]

Yes, and U'll get them at a great price over there. There are a lot of alfa lovers in North America & I'm sure alfa have high hopes for their future there. They are no longer available but if U want a fright - a fully optioned alfa 166 in Australia was over $90,000. We only got the top 3 ltr V6. Mine has only the sunroof & a few odds & ends ( no satnav/phone/tv ) & was $86,000. ( I buy it new of course ! ) Our government fines people heavily for wanting a car that is made overseas.

[@cawimmer430]

@panter82 I don't understand you. Before switching to common-rail VW used unit-injector technology.

[@Kirky111]

What is the music? because i cannot find it anywhere and want to play it

[@DZ96]

Fine car, very fine engine, the best everyday car i ever had. Only the front wheel drive is not made for having fun. But for having fun, my rear wheel drive Maserati Ghibli is ready for driving. Daniel

[@DuhuKaralius]

@GamerAndReviewer go for it bro! I have a little 145 1.6l hatchback. Believe me, once you sit an alfa, you won't get out... except at the gasoline stops though... :

[@AbdulrahmanHadid]

plz what is that music which starts on 0:20 ? thank you very much

[@davidovv]

I have the Alfa 156 SW

[@ZesPak]

Well, largely depends on what you're getting. If it's a 147, it's a good chassis, an all the competition (bar the BMW 1) are FF. If you're getting a Brera, it could be a let down. I went for a 159 and it's great to drive, about the best thing this side of a BMW 3 series. The 3 series was a little bet to ugly for me tough...

[@notton155]

i owned 13 Alfa's and do still owne 2 Alfa's. If they where Lada quality, would i still drive Alfa? By the way, i owned once a VW Golf, nice car to drive but more technical problems than average. And that was a 1 reason to switch to .... Alfa.

[@hectorae86]

I drive an alfa 156, and i love when it breaks down, cause then i get to drive a 159 xD. Sadly though, in about 2 years of ownership, the 156 has only broken down once :( , but anyway, i love it to bits.

[@Realistic_Realist]

i'm actually looking forward to seeing alfas sold here in the states again... we haven't had them since i think the very early 90's.

[@Fly155]

Love Alfa Romeo.

[@thedame23456]

i like the interior

[@icantakeit]

I heart Alfa...

[@GVWWVG]

my alfa romeo 166 from 1998 with 325 000 km never broke down too :) so its possible

[@murmaider2]

buying an Alfa is hard..i would have to pick between the 166,159,Brera and GT..those are my 4 favorite...159 would be my choice

[@parry999]

an exact quote from the brera, rx-8 and TT road test I see.

[@dacbiet]

LOL 6:51 Jeremy's expression was gold.

[@Pundit2k]

Which series/episode is this from please?

[@EccentricRichard]

Your problem, mate! I was thinking of real Rovers, not Triumph/BMC rustbucket wannabes pretending to be Rovers... P6B all the way! My dad had one, lovely very low maintenance classic (fresh oil every 3000 miles, new spark plugs every 10000, otherwise just a start-up-and-go car). Smooth, comfortable, agile, extremely safe handling (impossible to unseat the rear), safe to be in in a crash (never tested ours, thank God), very well-built and pleasing to the eye (SD1s and Alfas fail on both counts).

[@djmars2007]

does anyone know the name of the firs song that plays in the background?

[@diablo29]

"why do alfa insist on front wheel drive" They have 4wd now too

[@MrBurnTheClutch]

@eierer i live in america and im sad they dont sell them here. i would buy one in a heart beat!!!

[@mitsoulas93]

Many people say that Alfa Romeo break down very easily... Is this true? I'm going to get a car license in some months and I'm thinking of buying a second handed Alfa 166 '00 model...

[@stu1002]

Alfas are beautiful. And actually quite cheap to buy. Where will it hurt you? Servicing. Mine is going in for MOT and service next week. It needs a new Cambelt (£500) new front discs (£200) plus whatever else needs doing...I don't expect to see any change from £1000 :( But, it's oh so beautiful!

[@EccentricRichard]

Rover weren't as bad as some suggest, but the 800/600/400/200 and 25/45 and were a sad shadow of even the SD1-era Rover. The 75 was a promising car, but failed to deliver on what was initially expected - BMW foisting FWD on it, for example, and the dodgy K-series engine, were big disappointments.

There is one thing that Alfa Romeo and BMW have in common (if they are from the 90's): Both need to be taken to the service station at least once a month for a quick fix. LoL.

[@coolerdude44]

anyway i'm american, i'd have to wait a year or two (maybe more) before alfa's even go on sale here. i'd test drive it first to be sure before i buy a 335, i love the way it looks and the interior. it's a tricky buy, the bmw's manual is better, and is a more dynamic car.

[@alfaromeo2600]

great car!

[@alfatango1]

One of the few, if only female Farrari factory drivers once said. "You admire German cars and fall in love with Italian cars" that's why I have two 164's and a GTV6 and one Milano/75

[@heatever]

...Then make sure you check out the other clips uploaded in 2007, you'll see that they seldom go above 360p.

[@TheNastyWarNazi]

does anyone know the choral piece from 1:42 - 2:15? It's also in the FEAR 2 launch trailer, if that helps.

[@NoiseSauce]

I don't know - but I've been trying to find for years!!