ALFA ROMEO 159 Review

As we said, Alfa's 159 is a very comfy ride, mostly thanks to the seats but also to the bundle of integrated systems.

Our Distinctive test model came with Alfatex upholstery, but leather is also available across the range, either offered as a single feature or included in large or more expensive packages. For instance, Tibet leather costs 1,200 Euros, while the Fiore upholstery costs 1,600 Euros. However, we had to make do just with leather-stitched steering wheel and steering stick.

Our optional automatic climate control with three-zone support, priced at 500 Euros, replaced the standard bi-zone version and came with a separate pollen filter for extra protection of the cabin.

The suspension system plays a key role in the overall comfort level offered by the sedan. Although one would expect a stiffer suspension setup, it proved to be pretty well balanced to ensure superior handling and better absorption of small potholes. Furthermore, such a configuration contributed to handling and stability at higher speeds which is just what such a powerful vehicle needs when driven on the highway.

As we demonstrated with the help of our two-meter tall colleague, the sedan provides a large amount of interior space, so there should be no problem to fit such a tall guy inside the car. For the optimal driving position, the driver's seat can be adjusted in height, just like the front passenger's. In addition, the driver's seat comes with lumbar support, while the steering wheel can also be adjusted for the most favorable height.

Last but not least, Alfa 159 doesn't lack the necessary technologies to improve comfort, as it comes as standard with dual-zone climate control, cruise control and an advanced audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls. However, our car was a bit more upgraded so we had climate control with three-zone support and optional audio system priced at 700 Euros.

Alfa's turbocharged engine is said to deliver the same performance as a standard 3-liter, without affecting fuel consumption and keeping it at the level of a regular four-cylinder. Curiously or not, fuel efficiency isn't quite a technological achievement for Alfa Romeo, as the real life figures proved us that the 1.75 TBI engine burns so much gasoline that it almost forces the driver to slow down and adopt a more relaxed driving style.

The revised Alfa 159 lost around 70 kilos as part of a weight cutting programme in 2009, with the Italian carmaker claiming the 1750 TBi version is approximately 100 kilos lighter as compared to a similar V6 configuration.

In terms of performance, the 1750 Turbo Benzina 200 CV engine, as it is officially called, is the exclusive creation of Fiat Powertrain Technologies and uses direct fuel injection, two continuously variable valve timing units, a turbocharger and a brand new scavenging control system.

It develops a maximum power of 200 horsepower between 4,750 and 5,500 rpm, with 320 Nm of torque available at 1,400 rpm, which basically means that power will be transferred to the wheels even at very low speeds. In other words, it goes from a naught to sixty in just 7.7 seconds, while reaching a maximum speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).

The six-speed transmission box is pretty responsive and it kicks down willingly, just when requested. Shifting is very smooth, so it also contributes to the overall comfort of the ride and allows for a more relaxed driver to save fuel while keeping the engine at low revs.

The front-wheel drive system, combined with the ASR system turned off, will get your adrenaline flowing, especially on slippery or wet roads. Whenever the driver wants to turn off the ASR, he can easily do that using the control button placed near the stick shift, so its position is some sort of free invitation to a blood-pumping experience.

The car is packed with a multitude of systems integrated to enhance performance, cut fuel consumption or increase safety, but the test model also benefited from several features placed on the options list.

First of all, there's the Bose audio system, offered as an option and priced at 700 Euros. It comes with support for MP3 files, but that's basically all you can do: listen to radio stations or insert your very own MP3 CDs.

Although the Bose quality is undeniable, the audio system does not support an auxiliary source, such as an MP3 player or iPod. It consists of a ten high-performance speakers, as it follows: one 80mm neodymium mid-range speaker in the middle of the instrument panel, two 25mm tweeters in the instrument panel, two 165mm neodymium low/mid-range speakers in the front doors, two 25mm tweeters in the rear doors, two 165mm neodymium low/mid-range speakers in the rear doors, one 255mm PowerND woofer with integrated amplifier in the rear shelf.

Furthermore, the USB port included in the Blue&Me system supports playback of additional multimedia files stored on a regular USB pen-drive.

And speaking of Blue&Me, the car also features the system available on several other Fiat and Alfa Romeo, such as Bravo or MiTo. As we're sure you know, Blue&Me is an infotainment system that can be used for either connecting your Bluetooth or USB-compatible device to the car or access the EcoDrive function that collects data and gives advices for a more economical driving style.

Leaving all these audio functions aside, the Alfa 159 features cruise control, automatic climate control with three zones, on-board computer, VDC and ASR, HBA and Hill Holder, ABS and EBD plus armrest with refrigerated storage.

Last but not least, the tested model came with parking sensors, plus the Visibility Pack available on the Distinctive equipment grade that adds rain sensors, light sensors, defrosting sensors, odour sensors and electro-chromatic interior mirror.

Manufactured since 2005, Alfa Romeo 159 is one of the models that managed to earn a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test program and the standard equipment available across the range proves it fully deserves such an award.

The tested model came with VDC and ASR, HBA and Hill Holder, ABS and EBD, frontal airbags for driver and passenger, knee driver airbag and side airbags for both the driver and the front passenger, side curtain airbags, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and seatbelt notifiers. The Distinctive trim level also added a knee airbag for the front passenger plus a third headrest for the rear seats.

As we said, the car received the maximum rating in Euro NCAP's tests, but this doesn't necessarily mean it performed well in every single area. For example, Euro NCAP conducted a second test after it discovered that the seatbelt load limiter was fitted incorrectly in the original test, so Alfa had to re-check all cars from the start of production to fix the problem.

Although it received a five-star rating for adult occupant protection, it scored only four stars for child protection and a single star in the pedestrian safety tests.

Alfa Romeo 159 looks great, that's for sure. The design of the model, although sketched in 2005, still makes it a head-turner, especially at night when the aggressive look is perfectly brought into the spotlight by the rounded headlights and taillights. Furthermore, the exterior styling perfectly matches the large amount of power hidden under the hood, so that we could get a glimpse of how the car will feel like just before jumping behind the wheel.

The interior looks and feels great in a way that can be hardly matched by other producers and the retro parts are nicely mixed with modern and must-have systems. Inside, Italian designations here and there remind us that we're actually driving an Alfa that houses 300 horsepower.

The engine feels much more alive than other cars priced in the same range, but the biggest problem remains the fuel consumption. In a market dominated by economic problems and at a time when most carmakers announce innovative technologies that cut fuel consumption and emissions to minimum, Alfa's 159 chooses power detrimental to efficiency. It's incredibly difficult to drive the 159 in a slow and economical way and every time you see the green light you just feel like pressing the accelerator and leave the rest of the cars behind.

Efficiency problems aside, Alfa promises the 159 fixes all the reliability glitches reported in the past, so the new range can fully give you the "Alfa feeling" while cruising on the highway. And, after a few days spent behind the wheel of the car, we can sincerely tell you that this is indeed a great car for occasional and non-urban driving.