Skip advert
Advertisement

Alfa Romeo 159 2.0 JTDm Lusso

Stylish Italian still looks the part and offers great value

Sporty small executive saloons dominate the company car sector, but the Alfa 159 has never enjoyed the sales success of the class leaders. Not that it’s wanting for style – with its arrow-like nose, offset number plate and gently contoured lines, the Giugiaro-penned four-door is compact and well proportioned. 

New multispoke wheels for Lusso trim look the part, while the cabin has a smart black colour scheme and driver-oriented dash, with the deeply cowled dials all angled towards the hot seat. An attractive multifunction three- spoke steering wheel rounds off the charming Alfa interior.

Advertisement - Article continues below

These touches don’t disguise the 159’s dated underpinnings, however. Space is cramped and the firm, narrow seats are too high, while visibility is affected by the proximity of the B-pillars and high bootlid.

The low rear bench lacks support and legroom in the back is tight, too. Things don’t get any better in the 405-litre boot, which trails the Honda for space, has a high sill and is restricted by intrusion from the suspension. At least kit levels are generous, and Lusso trim includes rear parking sensors and leather upholstery as standard.

The 2.0-litre engine is the most significant change, and should provide some good news. It’s a less powerful version of the firm’s 170bhp diesel, and uses a variable geometry turbo to generate reassuring pulling power. Torque output of 350Nm is a match for the more powerful Honda.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

45,539 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £17,697
View Golf
ID.3

2022 Volkswagen

ID.3

29,650 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £17,397
View ID.3
Sportage

2023 Kia

Sportage

46,172 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,597
View Sportage
Discovery Sport

2021 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

61,307 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,297
View Discovery Sport

Off the line, the Alfa trails the Accord, but the differences were less obvious at speed. While the Italian saloon completed the sprint from 0-60mph in 11.4 seconds – 1.4 seconds behind its rival – it was within a few tenths of the Honda during most of our in-gear acceleration runs. 

The 159 feels sporty from the moment you turn a wheel. The weighty steering is matched by a similarly meaty gearshift, and the stubby lever delivers decent changes. Another Alfa trademark is the speed of the steering, which means small inputs have a big effect. The set-up arrows the 159 into bends with real purpose. However, at higher speeds it requires a lighter touch, and 

loses some of its accuracy and confidence-inspiring feel. 

Firm suspension delivers tidy handling, with strong grip from the tyres. High-speed composure is also good, and the Alfa copes with potholes more effectively than the Accord. However, the Honda is a more refined cruiser.

You expect an Alfa to drive with aplomb, but a poor reputation for customer service and reliability has been the brand’s undoing. 

To counter this, the unlimited-mileage three-year warranty comes with breakdown cover for the duration, like the Honda. 

Business users will also appreciate the Alfa’s lower CO2 emissions, but whether this will be enough in the face of the high-quality Honda is what will decide this test.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: The Alfa has been around for a while now, but it hasn’t lost its looks. Beautiful styling comes allied to a punchy and smooth diesel engine.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,841 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025