city, sport and ice. A significant addition to the 156 range came in 2000 with the introduction of the Sportwagon Station wagon or estate bodystyle. The new bodystyle was in development from 1998 by Stola under the project code '932 AF'. According to Stola's records the initial considered name was "Powerwagon". While not a core part of the company's range, estate versions of the Alfasud and 33 - the first to carry the name Sportwagon - were produced and a 75 Sportwagon was shown at Geneva, but became an early victim of the Fiat takeover. The Sportwagon was also available with Boge-Nivomat self-levelling hydropneumatic rear suspension. The Sportwagon was marketed as a lifestyle estate without large carrying capacity. The Sportwagon bodystyle filled a gap in the market that Alfa Romeo had distanced themselves from since the 33 SportWagon of the 1980s. In 2001 engines were upgraded to comply with the Euro III standards and were rated at (1.6 L), (1.8 L), (2.0 L) and (2.5 L). Design Designed by Alfa Centro Stile under the guidance of head designer Walter de'Silva the 156s shape was intended to be distinctly Alfa Romeo. Its styling included high, curved flanks, retro styled front door handles, recessed rear door handles, and a deep grille requiring an off-centre licence plate holder. The design featured visually deemphasized rear door handles and accentuated front handles, giving the illusion of a coupé profile. The design was influenced by the Alfa Romeo 1900, Giulietta and Giulia. The 156 achieved a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31. Interior The original interior uses a scalloped upper dashboard and a simple centre console. The main controls and displays are angled to the driver. The interior design lacks cup holders. The 156 Sportwagon features fold-down rear seats to increase the luggage area normally covered by a privacy screen. 2002 saw an update to both the interior and exterior of the 156. Facelifts 2002 facelift (first series) 2002 also saw the arrival of a facelifted interior with different matte-finish surfacing and chrome highlights. This new version featured the 147's dual-zone digital climate controller while the interior climate could also be controlled via an air quality sensor. A different choice of colours were available for the interior, with the option of a two-tone interior very much like that on offer from its European rivals. A wider range of options including xenon lighting, tele-informatics (CONNECT and CONNECT NAV)