With the Alfa 159, a new charter opens in the design of Alfa Romeo sporting saloons. The very latest technological innovations makes the new Alfa Romeo a car of unparalleled class, offering the very best in terms of dynamism, comfort, active and passive safety. In addition, the character and sporty style typical of Alfa Romeo cars remains intact, as does the unmistakable temperament of driving Italian style.

The story goes that Henry Ford used to doff his hat when he saw an Alfa Romeo pass and that on the day he managed to beat the Alfas, Enzo Ferrari cried like a baby. The company has come through a century of history, contributing many memorable pages to the history of the motorcar. The overall impression of an sophisticated is enhanced by its “cuore sportivo” or sporting heart, indomitable vitality, the sound of the engine, the elegance of the forms and Italian design. So we have prepared a journey through time linking all the various images of the Alfa Romeo legend from its origins to the present day.

Engine

Alfa 159 comes with a choice of three JTS directinjection petrol engines and 3 new-generation JTDM Common Rail turbodiesels, a perfect reflection of Alfa Romeo’s “cuore sportivo”

The utmost sportiness is guaranteed by the 3.2 6-cylinder V petrol engine, along with Q4 fourwheel drive, while the 2.4 JTDM diesel combines the power of its 200 bhp with total reliability. The 1.9 and 2.2 JTS petrol units offer excellent performance, while the 1.9 JTDM diesels guarantee top-level performance with low running costs. The new 1.8 petrol engine is available.

All the engines are designed to give the maximum driving pleasure, excellent pick-up without needing to change gear frequently and a huge reserve of power for when it is needed, especially when overtaking. This being made possible by the new 6-speed mechanical gearboxes that allow for a sporty, comfortable drive. The entire range of engines available on the Alfa 159 complies with Euro 4 limits on emissions.

The diesel engines are also fitted with a standard anti-particulate filter that lasts for the entire lifetime of the car and does not need any additives for regeneration. In addition, they are innovative engines that offer the utmost driving comfort, thrilling response and high performance. In this way the Alfa 159 remains faithful to the great tradition of Alfa Romeo motor engineering.

Exterior

A name that for many years has been synonymous with outstanding performance and quality in the world of sporting saloons, Alfa 159 is the maximum expression of the safety and strength of Alfa Romeo.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the Alfa 159 has attractive, aggressive and sporty styling. The front features the classic vertical “shield”, that seems to be the starting point for the entire car and all-new circular lights: the rear, tough and solid, has large pillars around the rear window, a twin exhaust pipe and a small spoiler that gives the car a sense of style and practicality. The overall impression of elegance, power, sturdiness and dynamism is enhanced by the use of 16”, 17” or 18” alloy wheels in 7 different styles. The stopping front pillar gives the car a sleek look, emphasizing the presence of the powerful engine under the hood.

The elongated rear lights are split by the opening for the luggage compartment, and echo the front lights. The exterior dimensions – 4660 mm long; 1828 mm wide; 1417 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm – are impressive and provide lots of interior space. Solidity and class, then, are the quality that strike at first glance of the latest offering from Alfa Romeo.

The imposing fenders and wheels flush with the body highlight the 159’s sporty yet perfectly safe character that is crucial for all those who want to experience the thrill of a sporty drive combined with a unique level of safety.

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Interior

The Alfa 159’s refined, spacious interior features a perfect balance between sportness and elegance and ensure a tremendous amount of comfort.

The dual or 3-zone automatic climate control system and sunroof ensure a travel in great comfort, while the comfortable wraparound seats and quietness of the passenger cabin recreate the pleasant atmosphere of a living room. The dashboard is shaped around the driver and features elegant, highly legible analogue instrumentation, multi-function display, radio with CD/MP3-player and Bose Hi-Fi and the latest generation satellite navigator with GSM telephone, both of which can be operated using voice commands and the sophisticated new hands-free system with Bluetooth technology, that also has voice recognition allowing you to call numbers stored in the phonebook simply by saying the person’s name.

Trust

Passing the strict Euro NCAP safety test, the Alfa 159 has proved that it is among the very best in terms of safety, scoring 5 stars – the top score- for the protection of occupants and 4 stars for child safety.

These excellent results were reached thanks to the use of new high-deformable floorpan and the solid engine support structure, ensuring the maximum protection for passengers even in the event of a high-speed collision.

All the main elements of the bodyshell are securely inter-connected: 3 load lines at the front and continuous long members along the length of the car ensure outstanding safety and driving comfort.

The passive safety systems are designed for the best possible results. As well as the front, side and window bags, the car is also equipped with innovative knee-bags for the driver, available for the passenger on request. For smaller passengers, triple Isofix fittings are available in the rear for child seats.

Enjoyment

The Alfa 159 is driving pleasure at its maximum. It is unique in safety and offers absolute control. The high wishbone suspension at the front and multilink setup at the rear ensure perfect road-holding, guaranteeing perfect positioning of the wheels and keeping them in constant contact with the road.

The highly efficient braking system is fitted with ABS with electronic brake force distribution that allows the car to come to a stop in only 36 m when traveling at 60 mph.

The Alfa 159 uses the most sophisticated electronic stability control systems, such as VDC, that leaves the driver free to enjoy being in control of the car.

In track tests, the Alfa 159 recorded figures that stand comparison with the very best grand touring cars. Being at the wheel of an Alfa 159 is a thrill you haven’t yet experienced.

Sturdiness

The torsional stiffness of the Alfa 159 is at the very top of the segment: a crucial element for outstanding sturdiness and excellent road-holding, as well as total safety. The bodyshell uses both high-strength, dual phase steels and multi-thickness metals welded partly using laser technology. The steering and suspension always work in the best possible conditions due to the high level of chassis stiffness.

The “premium” floorpan combines with the bodyshell to form a high-strength, compact structure with guaranteed performance over time. Chassis stiffness ensures great safet and strength, certified by stringent Euro NCAP tests.