Alfa Romeo 159 Gets New 2.0 JTDM, Prices Start at £22,500 OTR

The 2011 Alfa 159 range has been improved in the UK with the introduction of new interior trim and equipment, plus a new 136 bhp 2.0 JTDM engine. The new unit is Euro 5-compliant and comes equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger able to deliver an impressive 350 Nm of torque at low engine speeds (1,750 rpm).

Thanks to substantial technical improvements, the Alfa now emits only 134 grams of CO2 per kilometer for the Saloon and 137 in the case of the Sportwagon. These figures make the Alfa 159 a more competitive alternative to company car and fleet buyers basing their choice on emissions.

In addition to the diesel-burner, Alfa also offers new sports cloth upholstery and a top-quality sports leather in black or natural, as well as a cabin environment which is further enriched with elegant chrome-plated three-layer treatment or brush black aluminium inserts on the dashboard, on the mouldings and on the central console.

The revised range features three trim levels, entry-level Turismo, mid-range Lusso, and the last dedicated to a sporty feel - TI.

The base specification features six airbags, electric front and rear windows, dual zone automatic climate control, new sports cloth upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, car radio with CD/MP3 player and eight speakers, Blue&Me (Bluetooth hands-free system), black leather steering with remote controls, black leather gear knob, 16” alloy wheels, and a host of safety features and detailed design attributes, all for just £22,500 in the case of the Salooon or £23,750 for a 2.0 JTDM 136 bhp Turismo SW.

The Lusso version comes in at £650 more and adds leather upholstery, visibility pack, sports dials with white illumination, darkened interior headlining, black aluminium centre console and steering wheel trim inserts, dark chrome painted dashboard and door trim inserts, rear parking sensors, stainless steel kick plates and 17” Multi-spoke design alloy wheels.

Meanwhile ,TI versions, which cost £500 more, are distinguished by 19" TI spoked alloy wheels, side skirts, lowered sports suspension and red painted brake callipers. Inside, the TI environment is recognisable from the wraparound seats trimmed in black Sports leather and Alcantara, sports pedal unit in aluminium and kick plates with the TI logo and sports steering wheel in leather with remote controls, leather gear knob and leather handbrake lever.