EAGERLY awaited here since its public debut last autumn, the widely acclaimed Alfa Romeo 156 range has just gone on sale throughout the famous Italian marque's 81-strong UK dealer network.

At the end of last year, Alfa Romeo's new compact executive saloon was voted Car of the Year 1998 by a panel of 56 senior motoring journalists from 21 European countries. It now goes on sale here in a number of different configurations and in three engine versions, 1.8-litre Twin Spark 16V (144bhp), 2.0 Twin Spark 16V (155bhp), and 2.5V6 24V (190bhp).

Since it first became available in mainland European markets on October 24, demand for the new 156 has far outstripped supply, and recent figures show that advance orders currently total over 60,000 units, more than half of which come from outside Italy.

With just over 4,000 cars allocated to the UK this year, the 156 is expected to remain in short supply for some time, and this is confirmed by the high level of pre-launch customer orders being reported.

Designed by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile at Arese, near Milan, the Alfa Romeo 156 features high technology engineering such as variable valve timing, variable intake geometry, electronic throttle control, multi-valve actuation and double wishbone suspension. All versions are highly specified, and air conditioning is standard equipment on 2.0 and 2.5 V6 versions.

Customers can order 156s with a range of Lusso or Sport Packs, which include such options as lowered suspension, 16 inch diameter alloy wheels, Recaro seats, Momo leather interior and a sports dashboard.

On-the-road prices of the Alfa Romeo 156 range start at £17,573, rising to £22,232 for the 2.5 V6 24V.

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