The Passat was taken away on Wednesday, but I've been using the 156 for a few weeks now anyway.
A few things I've noticed in that time.
Late TSparks are quite significantly modified over early cars. The engine bay layout is very different to the one in Mrs H's 'phase 1' saloon.
Selespeed isn't half as bad as people would have you believe. Not quite as smooth and fast to change as DSG, but there again, it's nowhere near as complex. On the positive side, in city mode, it will rev through to
6750rpm before chaning up. Full-throttle downchanges in manual mode make you feel like a pro. as the car blips the throttle for you before dropping a gear. City mode downchanges are hit and miss, but you can over-ride them with the stick or paddles anyway.Don't know how much time and effort Alfa spent on tuning the inlet and exhaust noise - but from 3k rpm upwards on full throttle mine sounds amazing.
After a few tanks being burned at sub 30mpg, it appears to be settling into mid 30s, peaking at 38mpg on 80mph motorway cruises.
Handling is superb. Mine's a Veloce, Mrs H's is a Lusso. The Veloce is sightly lower, stiffer and on bigger wheels. I'm amazed at the difference in road-holding - and in a comparison with the Passat, I can corner around 25% faster. Steering is lovely, with just over 2 turns lock to lock and light, without detaching you from what's going on at the front wheels like the Passat did.
Momo leather is awesome and the seats very comfy.
The Bose audio system is also very good.
Mods done: upgraded head unit with iPod and Bluetooth. HIDs fitted today. They look awesome.
Mods to do: fit some Wop style number plates and reversing sensors.
Faults so far: airbag light can't be reset. Need to look at the connectors under the driver's seat. (Airbag not covered by the warranty....) and a leaking headlamp washer. This is an issue, as it's the motor leaking, and it's particularly tricky to get to. Currently bunged with silicone and multi-purpose glue so I don't piss out a full washer tank within 2 minutes of filling it.
Overall, I love it.