Brakes Sportwagon is slightly surprising. Front and rear wheels are, and there is nothing strange, but the front - solid, with no internal ventilation. Probably, more powerful versions are ventilated.

With the engine and chassis elements we have yet to meet, and yet Let us salon. The front door opens with a traditional handle of polished metal. Opening wide enough, and I easily find myself in the driver's seat. The first thing that catches your eye - facing the driver to the center console, on which the traditional Alfa Romeo cars for three circular scale analog devices. The main attraction of the torpedo - no combination of instruments in its conventional sense. In the Alfa Romeo 156 is represented by two separate large "tumors" with round dials on the side of the steering wheel axis. It will also appeal to the tradition of 40 years ago, such a solution then was in the order of things.

Characteristic of the interiors of cars Alfa Romeo round pots have remained only on the edges of the dash - to blow the side windows. In the central part of the same in their place on the upper surface there was something like a bunker with narrow slits, loopholes.

Material dashboard and door trim with imitation braid stitched very goodness and texture reminiscent of the skin. It is noticeable that the Alfa Romeo have been paying more attention to quality workmanship. Rather unusual looks and "feels" seat upholstery material - it looks like tweed and makes interior more comfortable. The seats provide good lateral support. The driver's seat has enough range of adjustment, steering column is exposed on the slope, with the steering wheel does not swamped in advance that occurs in some Italian cars and drivers familiar "classical" "Lada."

I did not have to go to the Alfa Romeo 156, but I heard that there legs tightly "in the pedals." Now I can say that this, in general, not true. Only a little close right foot, sometimes clinging to the edge of the center console, but otherwise everything is fine. Efforts on the pedals did not seem excessive, some too big the clutch pedal, but she is quite informative. The accelerator also allows a good "feel" the engine speed and accurately metered, which, however, is characteristic of Italian cars with a sporty character.

Visibility from the driver's seat in the forward direction is not bad, a few narrow "picture" wide and heavily tilted front roof pillars. But the "reverse" review ... Italian drivers are often blamed for the fact that they do not pay attention to what is happening behind their car. To imitate the Italian habit Sportwagon will be easy - after all the touring, besides glass tailgate is small as the width and height.

On the rear seat is quite roomy, even if sitting in front tall driver and passenger. Legroom - as in a sedan over his head - a smaller (by tilting the back door). Capacious trunk will not name. Not only is there "live" rear axle stands so still and an opening tailgate like a "hetchbekovsky." At full passenger-supplied versatile luggage compartment volume - even less than the sedan. Yes, and with rear seats folded Sportwagon yield on this index, "treshke" BMW Touring or the Audi A4 Avant. But it does not matter - refrigerators on such machines do not carry.

The rear door thanks to cut deeply into the roof hinges up very high - it facilitates loading. Familiar pen behind missing - eliminated for aesthetic reasons. "Baggage" picture brightens extra nice and practical detail. These include on-board network socket, two drawer for small items and rolls in the manner of curtain netting (it can be mounted on the ceiling), separating the passenger from the cargo space.

Getting to the "road" of the program. Since starting the engine, no problem - you can go. Stroke lever was relatively long, and the inclusion of clarity is poor. I had to "learn" to become familiar with the management of transmission. On this car wants to go fast right away, but with a 1.8 liter engine (even with a system of Twin Spark) this venture have yet to leave. The dramatic opening of the gas does not cause violent response - like a car was waiting for something. For dynamic driving obviously need more powerful engine or a car weighing less. Even at idle the engine thoughtful - when you try to play with the accelerator turns. Characteristic of the engine like turbo, which usually begin to "work" for real after the 3000 revolutions. And if it be kept in "good shape" by the gearbox (well, that is not automatic) and the gas pedal, the Sportwagon up to its title, showing the dynamic quite a ride, followed by a pleasant rumble motor.

For steady movement in the "raised voices" requires powerful and reliable braking. And the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon in this configuration they are available. Very sensitive pedal with an average duration of the course allows you to safely slow the car and apply what is called a race, "overtaking under braking." It also requires a good handling. Alfa on top and here. Wheel steering becomes noticeably sharper with increasing speed and allows you to accurately calculate changes in the trajectory. The machine is perfectly helm, working jointly with the exact "gas", it is possible to create small miracles on the road. Another gratifying moment - of the suspension in terms of energy and ride. Almost any road bumps surely extinguished, accompanied by a rumble, vibration, and gently blows (this is, however, does not mean you have to get involved in overcoming urban obstacles). Of course, very much like to know how the Italian car the latest releases will behave during prolonged operation in our conditions, because their predecessors in Russia gained the reputation of the whimsical and unreliable (Fiat 124, "Lada" - do not count), but related statistics have not yet a lot.

We can only wish the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon good fortune in Russia - then many will be able to enjoy this car. Of course, a truly sporty character will appear in machines with more powerful engines, but even in this form, the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon does not look "sissy" for leisurely city trips, and can order "podzavesti" Driver of the peace - then it will be well-balanced chassis could not be more helpful. You can even add shipping fans in a large scale, please do not worry.