Alfa Romeo 159: Iconic Drive, Expert Review & Buying Guide

The Alfa Romeo 159 stands as a testament to Italian automotive passion, blending striking aesthetics with engaging road manners. Launched as the successor to the beloved 156, it aimed to compete in the executive saloon segment against German rivals, offering a unique character that prioritizes driver involvement over outright perfection.

Design and Exterior Appeal

The 159’s exterior captures Alfa Romeo’s signature style with flowing lines and aggressive proportions. Its wide stance, bold grille, and sculpted bonnet evoke a sense of speed even at rest. Available as a saloon or Sportwagon, the design ages gracefully, turning heads two decades after its debut.

• Front fascia: Prominent shield-shaped grille flanked by slim headlights, emphasizing the car’s predatory look.
• Side profile: Elegant curves rising to a coupé-like roofline, with subtle creases adding muscularity.
• Rear end: Wide haunches and integrated exhausts complete the athletic silhouette.

Wheel sizes ranged from 16 to 18 inches, with TI models featuring sportier alloys. Paint options included vibrant reds and blacks that enhance its visual drama. Despite added weight from its sturdy platform, the 159 maintains an airy, lightweight feel visually.

Interior Comfort and Quality

Stepping inside reveals a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials in later models. Post-2010 facelifts brought improved plastics and switchgear, addressing early criticisms. The dashboard sweeps around the driver, with analogue gauges that are clear and evocative.

Front seats offer excellent support, with ample adjustments for most builds. The leather-trimmed steering wheel, adjustable for reach and rake, positions the driver perfectly. Rear space accommodates adults for short trips, though the middle seat suits smaller passengers best. Boot capacity is generous at 405 litres for the saloon, expanding in the wagon variant.

Infotainment evolved with Bluetooth and optional navigation, though modern standards lag. Build quality impresses, with a ‘premium’ chassis rivaling BMW and Mercedes.

Engine Lineup and Performance

The 159 offered a diverse powertrain range, balancing petrol enthusiasm with diesel efficiency. Petrol options included the 2.2 JTS (185hp), 1.8 TBi turbo (170hp), and potent 3.2 V6 (260hp), while diesels spanned 1.9 JTDm (120-150hp) to 2.4 JTDm (210hp).

• 2.2 JTS: Delivers 185bhp, 0-62mph in 8.5s, revving eagerly above 3500rpm with a sonorous note.
• 3.2 V6 Q4: AWD system sends power rear-biased for rear-drive-like feel, offering formidable grip.
• Diesels: Torque-rich for overtaking, with the 2.4 standing out for refinement.

Fuel economy varies: petrols around 25-30mpg, diesels up to 45mpg. Manual gearboxes are slick, with automatics available on select models.

Handling and Driving Experience

Alfa’s engineering shines in dynamics. The stiffened chassis and low-ratio steering deliver precise, communicative control. Front-drive models grip tenaciously with minimal body roll, while Q4 AWD adds all-weather confidence.

Two suspension tunes existed: standard for comfort, sportier ‘Lasso’ setup for keener responses. Bends are dispatched with poise, rewarding skilled drivers. Brakes are strong, though early pads wore quickly.

Steering is quick and talkative, ideal for open roads.

Practicality for Daily Use

Despite sporty credentials, the 159 serves as a usable executive. Ride quality balances firmness with compliance, smoothing urban potholes. Visibility is good, aided by slim pillars. Safety earned 5-star Euro NCAP in 2006.

Reliability improved over the 156, but electrics and electronics can falter. Routine maintenance is key, with parts availability decent via specialists.

Trims, Specs, and Buying Guide

Trims progressed from Turismo to TI, with higher equipment in later years. Seek 2010+ models for refinements.

Budget £3,000-£8,000 for good examples. Check for rust, turbo health, and service history.

Ownership Costs and Reliability

Running costs are reasonable for diesels, but petrols thirstier. Insurance groups 25-30. Tyres and brakes are pricier than mass-market rivals. Common issues: MAF sensors, dual-mass flywheels, suspension bushes.

• Service intervals: 21,000 miles or annually.
• Expect 100,000+ miles with care.

Enthusiast forums praise its character, forgiving minor niggles for driving joy.

Why Choose the 159 Today?

In a world of sanitized crossovers, the 159 offers analogue purity. Its platform’s rigidity supports tuning potential, appealing to modifiers. Values hold steady for low-mileage TI models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Alfa Romeo 159 reliable?

Later models (2010+) are more dependable than early ones, with diligent maintenance yielding longevity.

What’s the best engine?

The 1750 TBi petrol in TI trim balances fun and usability; diesels for economy.

How does it compare to BMW 3-Series?

Less polished but more engaging dynamically, with unique styling.

Is AWD available?

Yes, Q4 on select V6 models for superior traction.

Good for modifications?

Strong chassis handles power upgrades well.