The New Alfa Giulia QV Will Be Stupidly Expensive, So Why Not Try A 250bhp 156 GTA On For Size?

In case you missed the big news last week, Alfa Romeo has an incredibly pretty new 3-series-rivalling saloon on the way called the Giulia. There’ll be a hot 503bhp Quadrifoglio Verde version, and out of all current and incoming compact super saloons, it’s the one you guys are most excited about.

However, it won’t be here until 2016, and when it is, the powerful QV model (the one you want) will most likely set you back anywhere from £50-60,000. So, if you want a hot Alfa saloon a little sooner, and for a lot less cash, what should you buy? We recommend the 156 GTA.

Now, we’re not going to pretend that these cars are perfect. In fact, in our recent interview with Chris Harris, the veteran motoring journo told us that it was the least enjoyable car he’d ever reviewed. However, with prices now fairly low, 156 GTAs are worth a punt for their good points.

Heading the list of ‘good stuff’ is the engine. It’s a 3.2-litre version of Alfa’s legendary ‘Busso’ V6, and it produces one of the best noises in the world of cars. It’s known for having a wickedly sharp throttle response, and is good for 250bhp, making 0-62mph possible in 6.5 seconds.

Then there are the looks. The 156 is already a pretty car as standard, but with a butch bodykit, it’s a particularly handsome devil.

Sure, the handling may have left a lot to be desired, and many road testers at the time of the car’s launch noted that the 156’s front-wheel drive chassis simply wasn’t up to the task of the engine’s 250bhp. But it’s worth noting a ‘Q2’ limited-slip differential is inexpensive to have fitted, and can transform the handling and the way the 156 puts its power down.

Want one final reason to splash the cash? These are surprisingly sensible investments. The minimum price for a 156 GTA plateaued around the £5000 mark for a good few years, but now, it seems prices are on the up. The fact that this £6895 example is the cheapest for sale in the country right now is telling.

It looks promising, too. It appears to be fairly tidy in the pictures, and comes with a full service history - an absolute must for any Alfa.

Tempted?