Is Alfa's 159 A Winning Number?

By Chris Thorp

22nd February 2005

With its sharp Giugiaro-designed body, a cutting-edge new platform and a range of revamped engines, this is an Alfa that won't rely on style alone in order to attract buyers. The 156 replacement carries over many of its predecessor's styling cues, but adds even more distinctive details.

Named after the firm's famous 1951 race car, the 159's most striking feature is its front end, which carries the now-familiar two sets of three lamps either side of the Alfa shield.

The aggressive styling is continued along the profile by a sharp shoulderline, although the rear gets a more conservative look. And to give the 159 the boost it needs to gain a foothold in the family car market, a raft of fresh powerplants is offered. The petrol line-up has 160bhp 1.9, 185bhp 2.2 and 260bhp 3.2-litre JTS engines, all with continuous variable valve timing.

Diesel buyers can also choose from three units. The entry-level oil-burner is a 1.9 tuned to 120bhp, while a 150bhp version is also available. The flagship diesel will be a 2.4-litre five-cylinder JTDM producing 200bhp and 400Nm of torque. All six powerplants meet Euro IV emissions regulations. Manual transmissions are six-speed, as are the conventional automatic and Selespeed clutchless manual systems.

Inside, Alfa claims that the 159 is roomier than the outgoing 156 thanks to a 225mm increase in length and an additional 85mm width. The firm has also concentrated on the driving position, in a bid to ensure that the 159 doesn't come in for criticism for poor ergonomics - a familiar complaint on older Alfa models.

To maximise Alfa's sporty image, the new saloon will also be available with the company's own Q4 all-wheel-drive system. However, most models will feed power to the front wheels, and engineers are currently working flat out to try to ensure all variants are class leaders for their ride and handling.

The new model is set to go on sale throughout Europe this summer, but right-hand-drive cars won't arrive to
replace the 156 in the UK until January 2006. A Sportwagon estate version is expected to join the range before the end of next year.