The Gearbox

Gets easier with practice

The gearbox on the 159 is as far removed from the 156 gearbox as you can possible imagine. The new model has a much shorter throw, with a stubby little gearstick that slots into place as you change gear. With both the diesel and petrol models the gearstick was a little stiff and we found a little difficult to change gear quickly with, particularly changing down into second. Perhaps this gets easier with practice and with a bit of ‘running in’.

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The Interior

Still a cockpit

It’s certainly a step away from the previous Alfa range. The 159 is more spacious than the 156 it replaces, more headroom in the front for example, but still a little less than many other cars in its class – the 159 driver’s seat is still a cockpit and if you like to ‘spread out’ this might not be the car for you. The central panel (in a metallic design) now has all the dials turned to face the driver – just in case you forgot who they were really there for. The steering wheel has what is now the standard Alfa sound system controls on it as well as a phone button – this last unfortunately not functioning on the standard model.

Apart from this small gripe the car is incredibly well equipped for its class – we particularly liked the hill-holder that gives you a few seconds to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal when you’re on a hill, and the 10 CD stacker in the back as standard (although make sure your CDs are in good nick otherwise they’ll be jumping every 30 seconds).

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The Ride

Pretty straight forward

The 159 is a solid feeling car with a light touch to the steering so handling is great, and the ride is ‘good to firm’ – not particularly fazed by bumps and holes in the road but a reasonably firm ride.

Although wind noise at speed is not loud, in our car (the 159 JTD) we did notice a ticking or rustling noise at speeds over 100 kmh coming from the front passenger door (this may have been wind noise as there was a strong crosswind at the time). Manoeuvring at low speed is pretty straight forward and the parking sensors certainly help – the 159 also has a pretty impressive turning circle for a large car.

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The ItalianCar Opinion

What it lacks in space it makes up for in style

As we mentioned in the press drive review the 159 is a great looking car compared to most of its rivals. It’s also a real bargain when you consider what you’re getting for the money. Although larger than its predecessor it is still not as spacious as some of its class rivals, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in style and – with the diesel version at least – an unbeatable fuel economy. And with a 5 star Euro NCAP rating one of the safest on the road as well.

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Facts & Figures

How Much?

Alfa Romeo 159 2.2l JTS manual $54,298 on the road
Alfa Romeo 159 2.4l JTD manual $60,526 on the road

How Much To Run?

1. Insurance:
   (based on 44yr old male; postcode 4178; comprehensive cover - no claims and no discounts; private use only; under finance with a finance company) $834 (JTS) / $913 (JTD) per annum
2. Fuel consumption:
   JTS - 11.03 litres/100kms (25.61 mpg) JTD – 6.83 litres/100kms (41.37 mpg)
3. Service intervals/costs:
   15K , 30K $350-$550 average
4. Warranty:
   3 years / 100,000kms; 6 years anti corrosion
5. Spare part cost indicator:
   new wheel $750

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Notes
Pricing information courtesy Alfa Romeo Brisbane
Insurance quotes from NRMA
Fuel consumption figures measured over 450 kms (JTS) and 2104 kms (JTD) respectively

*in fact I had to fill up at Mooney Mooney 57kms north of Sydney, but since we’d driven the car at least 57kms around Brisbane before leaving, it would have done the entire trip on one tank

Review and test drive by David Bateson, Editor ItalianCar

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More Information

ItalianCar FACTfile

ItalianCar Alfa 159 JTD FACTfile

Press Drive

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