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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
10/10
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Alfa Romeo has always been applauded for its designs and the 159 is no exception. The Giugiaro styled 159 manages to be both pretty and aggressive, hunkered low down with a scowling front end and a bold, imposing grill. It certainly makes its German rivals look rather dull, doesn’t it?
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Engine Spec
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Score:
9/10
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There is a decent choice of engines in the 159, kicking off with the excellent 160 bhp 1.9-litre petrol. Two 1.9-litre diesel powerplants (120 and 150 bhp) follow, with a 185 bhp 2.2-litre petrol a 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 at the top end. The diesel range is topped by a potent yet frugal 200bhp diesel.
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Performance
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Score:
8/10
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The V6 is capable of 248km/h and 100km/h in 7.0 seconds but even the base 1.9 can reach 100km/h in 9.7 seconds. The 2.2 hits 100km/h in 8.8 seconds, but the diesels are best. 150bhp 1.9 JTD reaches 100km/h in just 9.4 seconds, while the 200bhp 2.4 JTD is good for 8.6 seconds and 226km/h.
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
8/10
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The 159 offers a great blend between comfort and performance. The car has delicious, crisp steering and this will appeal to the sporty driver. The diesels feel a little more nose heavy but are still keen handlers. The 3.2-litre V6 with 4WD is sublime and blessed with endless grip.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
7/10
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Thankfully, the 159 retains the sound ergonomics of the 156, so it remains very driver-focused with an excellent driving position. There are still some niggles, though, like the odd location of the light switches and the overloaded stalks, which are weird to operate, though you do get used to them.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
8/10
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The 159 is much bigger than the 156, so there is plenty of interior space. The boot, at 405-litres, is more than generous too. The rear space in particular is better than anything you will get from BMW or Audi at this level.
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Safety
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Score:
9/10
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The 159 has a 5-star Euro NCAP score, with a full 4 stars for child protection. All have ESP, front, side, curtain and knee airbags, active front headrests, three 3-point rear seatbelts, three headrests in the rear and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It even has a hill-holder and early crash detectors.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
7/10
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The 159 is significantly cheaper than its rivals and is better equipped, but there is still the worry over residuals. Too many people got burned by the troublesome 156. The diesels are the best bet. Even the 150bhp JTD can return 6.0 l/100km and will find buyers easier than the petrols.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
7/10 |
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There is a marked improvement in quality over the 156, with everything feeling better to the touch and solidly constructed. It remains to be seen how well it will take 3 years of ownership but it certainly feels the most solidly put together Alfa we have driven. It’s a great mile-muncher too.
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Equipment
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Score:
8/10
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Turismo offers electric windows and mirrors, armrests, remote locking, climate control, CD player, a trip computer, leather steering wheel, ESP and 16” alloys. Sportivo adds 17” alloys, auto lights and wipers and 2-zone climate control. Cruise controls and a Bluetooth phone kit are options.
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Bad
Still a worry over residuals
Good
Substance to match its looks
strong choice of engines
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