Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 was launched at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the Alfa Romeo 156. Like its predecessor, the Alfa Romeo 159 is a lively compact car that shows its Italian flair and pedigree. In 2006, a Sportswagon variant was introduced, and plans are in place to release a 4.2 litre V8 petrol version which for the enthusiast should be an exhilarating drive.
The Alfa Romeo 159 comes in either front or four-wheel drive versions and all models have six gears, either automatic, manual or sequential. The top-of-the-range all wheel drive version boasts a 191 kW 3.2 litre V6 engine, but other models come in 1.9 litre turbo diesel, 2.4 litre turbo diesel, with the 2.2 litre petrol version of the Alfa Romeo being available also. All versions have an exciting and crisp engine note, with the 3.2 litre V6 having the deepest growl of all. The AWD version (which, in the Alfa Romeo 159, is called Q4) also makes excellent use of the Torsen type C twin differential.
With the 159, Alfa Romeo, has put in many useful safety features which saw it being awarded five stars by the Euro NCAP crash testing authority and four for child protection. All models have at least seven airbags, with some models of the Alfa Romeo 159 having up to nine, including one to protect the driver's knees, albeit by sacrificing a mechanical steering lock. Other safety features of the Alfa Romeo 159 include active front head restraints, tyre-pressure monitors as a standard feature and a hill-holder device to stop the car rolling backwards during a hill start.
On the road, all versions of the Alfa Romeo 159 give superbly responsive performance. Even the base model Alfa Romeo 2.2 JTS petrol version is a peppy performer, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just over nine seconds. An Alfa Romeo 159 has the sporty handling one can expect from the Italian car-maker and a decently comfortable ride along with it. Very grippy and well balanced on the road, the Alfa Romeo makes quick work of any twisting section of back road. For its size, the Alfa Romeo 159 has a roomy and comfortable cabin and a generously sized boot. Combined with the excellent standard audio sound system (not to mention the upgrades to a high quality BOSE system!), this refined and sexy machine will take passengers and drivers on an enjoyable and exciting drive.
The stylish Italian looks and the comfy cabin make the Alfa Romeo 159 a car that is designed to impress. All in all, the Alfa Romeo 159 is an eye-catching medium sized Italian car that has the flair and handling to match its good looks. Safe and stylish, it will be a pleasure to drive around town and on the occasional twisty bend.
Current model series include:
- Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTD
- Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD
- Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS
- Alfa Romeo 159 JTS V6 Q4 AWD
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