Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) Review
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Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) At A Glance
Stunning looks, good handling. Five-star crash test rating. 2.4 JTDM is a great diesel. 200PS 1750 TBi petrol from 2010.
No spare wheel as standard. Problems with 1.9 diesel.
There's no doubt the Alfa Romeo 159 is a looker. Just like the Alfa 156 put the BMW 3 Series in the shade, the 159 does the same. But the 159 is styled by the master, Giorgetto Giugiaro, not Walter d'Silva who left and went to SEAT. All through my life my blood has been stirred by Giugiaro designs, starting with the 105 Series Giulia GT when he worked for Bertone. That was the poster on m bedroom wall and I eventually owned one in the 1970s. Whether the 159 quite does it in the same way as d'Silva's 156 is a vexed question. It's certainly a far more beautiful sight to open your garage doors to than a 3 Series.
Reviews for Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals
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Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1750 TBi to 3.2 JTS V6
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 17–52 mpg
They only had diesels on the day I drove. So I was denied the tactile and aural pleasure of the four wheel drive 260PS 3.2 V6. Instead I had to make do with a 200PS 2.4 diesel. I'll write that again. A 200PS 2.4 diesel. If anyone thought Alfa Romeo diesel was an oxymoron, then this will definitely dissuade them.
We set off together tramlining madly down a wet and muddy lane. Partly because the brake discs were a bit wet and partly because the 235/45 ZR 18 tyres were set up to bite as hard as they could rather than offer limo-like comfort. Happily, the brakes soon developed plenty of bite too. Which they really needed to because this diesel pulls like a steam train.
There's none of that horrible, sudden turbo surge. You just get power, then more power, in a steady stream, right up to around 4,800rpm. Not too shabby.
The solid, vice-free, neat changing 6-speed transmission gives you a gear to exploit every kW and Nm the engine develops. 6th pulls very nearly 40mph per 1,000rpm. And those front tyres keep on gripping like they've got claws. This is partly down to the improved "high double wishbone" front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension. And partly the way Alfa sets its cars up, with more toe-out than average.
There's a further penalty to those low profile tyres, though. Quite a lot of road roar. At the low revs you drive a high geared diesel it's the only sound you hear, and that is bound to bother some people.At the half-way point I moved down to the 150PS 1.9 diesel.
Essentially the same engine as found under the bonnets of SAAB 9-3s, Vectras and Astras. This one was on 225/50 ZR 17s, so not quite as grippy at the front, but with better ride and less road noise. Gearing wasn't as high either. More like 35mph per 1,000rpm in 6th.
Again, it's a very well balanced, sporty car. You don't feel you're in a poor relation to the 2.4. It looks, goes and handles very well indeed. It's easy to get comfortable. The gearshift is nice and tight. Performance comes in a linear manner instead of a sudden rush. And two small bonuses are that with 159g/km CO2 it qualifies for £135pa VED and sensible BIK tax. If you had to pick a company car in which to do 40k miles a year it deserves a place along with the A4s, 3-Series, 9-3s, Jettas and Passats. And the looks will get you plenty of admiring glances.
There was no chance to drive the 4-cylinder petrol cars on this launch, and no 3.2 V6s at all. That car promises to be a very worthy leader of the pack, boasting 260bhp (without a turbo) and Torsen centre diff four-wheel drive with a 57% rear wheel bias.
But the range seller will inevitably be the 150bhp 1.9JTD. An Alfa Romeo diesel that isn't sacrilege because it still has that Alfa magic.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 MPI | 37–37 mpg | 10.2 s | 179–181 g/km |
| 1.9 JTDm 16V | 42–50 mpg | 9.2–9.5 s | 150–180 g/km |
| 1.9 JTDm 8V | 54 mpg | 10.7 s | 138 g/km |
| 1.9 JTS | 33 mpg | 9.7 s | 205 g/km |
| 1750 TBi | 35 mpg | 7.7 s | 182–189 g/km |
| 2.0 JTDm 16V | 52–53 mpg | 8.8 s | 139–142 g/km |
| 2.0 JTDm 16V 136 | 55 mpg | 9.9 s | 134 g/km |
| 2.2 JTS | 30–31 mpg | 8.7–8.8 s | 218–221 g/km |
| 2.4 JTDm | 36–42 mpg | 8.1–8.3 s | 179–208 g/km |
| 3.2 JTS V6 | 25–26 mpg | 7.0–7.1 s | 260–273 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
85%
Real MPG
17–52 mpg
MPGs submitted
242
Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) interior
- Boot space is 405 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4660 mm |
| Width | 1828 mm |
| Height | 1417–1422 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
Another criticism is the very thick B pillar that at my driving position meant I had very little side vision, especially pulling out of oblique junctions. There are side mirrors, though, conforming to the new EU legislation and giving an excellent view along the flanks.
Alfa Romeo 159 (2006 – 2011) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4660 mm |
| Width | 1828 mm |
| Height | 1417–1422 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1385–1680 kg |
| Boot Space | 405 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 18000–21000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,500–£29,250 |
| Insurance Groups | 18–30 |
| Road Tax Bands | E–M |
| Official MPG | 24.6–55.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 1 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2012
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1750 TBi TI 4dr | £26,665 | 34.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 1750 TBi Turismo 4dr | £23,515 | 34.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v Lusso (136bhp) 4dr | £24,150 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v Lusso 4dr | £25,150 | 53.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v TI (136bhp) 4dr | £25,650 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v TI 4dr | £26,650 | 53.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v Turismo (136bhp) 4dr | £22,500 | 55.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v Turismo 4dr | £23,500 | 53.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
On sale until October 2011
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1750 TBi Lusso 4dr | £25,165 | 34.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
On sale until July 2010
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Elegante 4dr | £22,130 | 49.6 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Elegante 4dr Auto | £22,130 | 41.5 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso 4dr | £23,280 | 49.6 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso 4dr Auto | £23,280 | 41.5 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v TI 4dr | £24,380 | 49.6 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v TI 4dr Auto | £24,380 | 41.5 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo 4dr | £21,150 | 49.6 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo Sport 4dr | £21,970 | 49.6 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 8v ECO Turismo 4dr | £20,370 | 54.3 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 8v ECO Turismo Sport 4dr | £21,190 | 54.3 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1750 TBi Elegante 4dr | £23,460 | 34.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 1750 TBi Turismo Sport 4dr | £23,300 | 34.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v Elegante 4dr | £23,250 | 52.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.0 JTDm 16v Turismo Sport 4dr | £23,090 | 52.3 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.2 JTS Elegante 4dr | £22,265 | 30.7 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.2 JTS Lusso 4dr | £23,415 | 30.7 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.2 JTS TI 4dr | £24,515 | 30.7 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Elegante 4dr | £24,920 | 41.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Elegante 4dr Auto | £24,920 | 35.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Lusso 4dr | £26,070 | 41.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Lusso 4dr Auto | £26,070 | 35.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.4 JTDm TI 4dr | £27,170 | 41.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.4 JTDm TI 4dr Auto | £27,170 | 35.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Elegante 4dr | £26,705 | 25.7 mpg | 7.1 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Lusso 4dr | £27,855 | 25.7 mpg | 7.1 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 TI 4dr | £28,955 | 25.7 mpg | 7.1 s |
On sale until February 2009
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 MPI Lusso 4dr | £20,000 | 37.2 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.8 MPI Turismo 4dr | £18,500 | 37.2 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 2.2 JTS Turismo 4dr | £21,200 | 30.7 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Q4 Lusso 4dr | £26,620 | 39.2 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Q4 TI 4dr | £27,570 | 39.2 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 Lusso 4dr | £28,300 | 24.8 mpg | 7.0 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 Lusso 4dr Auto | £28,300 | - | - |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI 4dr | £29,250 | 24.8 mpg | 7.0 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI 4dr Auto | £29,250 | - | - |
On sale until April 2008
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 MPI 4dr | £18,555 | 37.2 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v 4dr | £20,755 | 47.9 mpg | 9.2 s |
| 2.2 JTS 4dr | £21,255 | 30.7 mpg | 8.7 s |
On sale until July 2007
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.4 JTDm Turismo 4dr | £23,250 | 41.5 mpg | 8.2 s |
| 2.4 JTDm Turismo 4dr Auto | £23,250 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.8 MPI Turismo 4dr | £18,550 | 36.7 mpg | 10.2 s |
On sale until February 2007
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo 4dr | £20,750 | 47.1 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo 4dr Auto | £20,750 | - | - |
| 1.9 JTS Turismo 4dr | £20,250 | 32.5 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 2.2 JTS Turismo 4dr | £21,250 | 30.1 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 Turismo 4dr | £27,050 | 24.6 mpg | 7.0 s |
Model History
- January 2006: Alfa 159 launched
- June 2007
- July 2007
- October 2007
- December 2008: Alfa 159 Limited Edition launched
- August 2009: New engines and trims announced
January 2006
Alfa 159 launched
Styled by Giugiaro and as fresh and stunning looking as 156 was when it was launched. 4,660mm x 1,828mm x 1417mm (slightly longer than Lexus IS250). Four wheel drive option. Engines from 1.9 four to 260PS 3.2V6. Based on new 'Premium' platform designed for front wheel drive, rear wheel or 4-wheel drive. Prices from £19,995 for 160PS 1.9 JTS Turismo and from £20,495 for 150PS 1.9 JTDm Turismo.
June 2007
159 Turismo Internazionale launched June 2007. Has a unique body kit, lowered sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers all-round, plus chrome effect door mirrors and exhaust. Inside, electrically adjustable and heated leather front sports seats along with new sports dials, aluminium sports pedals, kick plates and trim inserts. A leather-clad sports steering wheel and gear knob are also included in the sporty specification list. Choice of three engines. 2.2 JTS and 3.2 JTS V6 and 2.4 JTDM diesel. 2.4 JTDM offers 210PS, 0-60mph 8.4 seconds, top speed 140, 41.5mpg combined and 179g/km CO2, priced at £25,500.
A choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes. In addition, Alfa Romeo’s Q4 4WD system, standard equipment on the 3.2 JTS V6, can also be specified on the diesel version. Only three body colours – Alfa Red, Stromboli Grey and Carbonio black.
2.2 JTS TI £23,400
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI £29,200
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI QTRONIC £30,650
2.4 JTDM TI £25,400
2.4 JTDM TI QTRONIC £26,850
2.4 JTDM Q4 TI £27,400
July 2007
Production of new EU5 1.9 Multijet diesel from July 2007, beginning with 132 kW (177 bhp) version. A 140 kW (188 bhp) version is to be launched in June 2008 and is also fitted to top SAAB 9-3 diesels from 2008.
October 2007
Ti version of 2.4 JTD with 210PS and sports suspension announced October 2007 at £25,500. 0-62mph 8.4 seconds, top speed 140mph, 41.5mpg combined and 179g/km CO2.
December 2008
Alfa 159 Limited Edition launched
Loaded with more than £3000 worth of extra kit, including lowered suspension, red Brembo brake callipers, sports dials with red background, black leather upholstery, Carbonio black metallic paint and darkened 19-inch spoke alloy wheels. Limited to 250 examples and powered by the 1.9 JTDM 150bhp diesel engine it costs £22,168 on the road.
August 2009
New engines and trims announced
Alfa Romeo’s new, lightweight, variable valve timing, direct injection turbocharged 1750 TBi engine develops an impressive 200 bhp along with 320 Nm of torque to bring new levels of drivability to the Alfa 159 range. The new 16-valve, twin overhead camshaft 1742 cc petrol unit brings keen fuel efficiency to Alfa 159.
1750 TBi
From a standstill, the 1750 TBi Alfa 159 Saloon can reach the 0-62 mph benchmark in 7.7 seconds, before topping out at 147 mph. However it is the flexibility of the in-gear acceleration that sets the engine apart from its competitors; with 25 - 62 mph in fifth gear achievable in 11.5 seconds and 37 – 62 mph in sixth gear reached in just 8.9 seconds – this translates, in real world driving, to a more sporting driver experience consistent with a ‘flat’ torque curve and a constant delivery of power - perfect for confident overtaking and long distance driving. In addition, the 1750 TBi version includes a mileage extension to 21,000 miles between routine maintenance intervals.
2.0 JTDM
Alfa’s new 2.0 JTDM powerplant develops 170bhp available at just 4,000 rpm, and its advanced multijet technology means that this new 2.0 JTDM unit delivers its maximum torque of 360 Nm between just 1750 rpm and 2500 rpm. The new 2.0 JTDM powered Alfa 159 covers the 0 – 62 mph sprint in just 8.8 seconds - less than one second off the pace of the more powerful 2.4 JTDM engine, on its way to a top speed of 136 mph. CO2 emissions have been reduced to just 142 g/km.
To coincide with the launch of these new engines, Alfa Romeo has introduced a new range structure which now features five trim levels - Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI.First of the two new trim levels, Turismo Sport offers drivers sporty upgrades including 17-inch sport alloy wheels, Blue&Me, sports seat cloth, sports leather steering wheel with remote audio controls and gear knob, and sports dials.The new Elegante trim adds additional style to the already highly specified Turismo equipment, including rear parking sensors, visibility pack and luxury Alfatex interior. Prices from £21,800 for 200PS 1750 Turismo and same £21,800 for 170PS 2.0 JTDM Turismo.
What to watch out for
On 1.9 JTDM timing belt drives waterpump and waterpump failure can fling it off in as little as 40k miles, wrecking the engine. Seems to be a braking problem on diesels, which have a vacuum pump for the brake servo assistance: can feel like total failure of brakes, but only happens intermittently. Replacing master cylinder has cured it in some cases.
On 1.9 JTDM if the engine smokes or the car suddenly loses power, the secondary butterflies of the swirl actuator valve may have sooted up and seized. Possible to clean but this does not guarantee it won't happen again. Really requires the inlet manifold to be changed as the part where the actuator connects to jams and does not let the butterflies open. Job can take six hours as the fuel pump and cam belt have to be removed to get at it. A coincidental fault is sooting up of the EGR valve.
1.9 diesels can be delightful to drive, but give a lot of problems. Failed inlet manifold swirl flaps (and the flaps can beak and be ingested by the engine). Failed EGRs. Choked DPFs. Failed timing belts, often because the waterpump seized. Belt, tensioner, pulleys and waterpump need replacving every 40,000 miles. Failed oil pumps. Failed dual mass flywheels. Failed turbos.
03-01-2011:Report of 159 2.0 JTD displaying same DMF problems as afflicts Insignia with the same drivetrain.
31-05-2011:Radiator hoses chafe on fan housings.
21-07-2011:Manuals seem to be suffering from a spate of transmission failures.
01-02-2012:Apparently no oil pumps for 2.4JTD in the whole of Europe.
25-05-2012:Quite a few 159s are now suffering corrosion problems. The main issue seems to be the front subframe. The paint applied at the factory is poor, and some cars are now failing the MOT due to excessive corrosion in this area. Also the underseal applied to the florrpans seems hit and miss and some are starting to show beginnings of rust in this area.
25-05-2012:Long 20k service intervals is causing sludge build-up which is preventing proper lubrication of the timing chains of 2.2 and 3.2 GM based petrol engines leading to them stretching and occasionally snapping. The original GM engines that these were based on also suffered similar issues. Changing the oil more frequently, is a way of potentially avoiding the timing chain issues, with 10k changes more realistic.
07-11-2012:Report of timing belt of 2.4 diesel failing at 66k milkes v/s Alfa 'life' of 72k miles.
16-05-2013:159 TBI seems to have a problem reversing uphill. Transmission seems to stick and can get severe clutch smell.
28-06-2013:Rear spoiler torn off back of car at speed due to insufficient glue holding one side of it on.
01-06-2014:For an Alfa 159 2.4 JTDM, Alfa dealer quoted an outrageous 7 hours labour and £1,277 to replace timing belt and waterpump. Reader got it done, including the waterpump, for £613.
20-11-2014:Speedo failed on 37k mile 2010 lfa 159. Mileometer and tripmeter still working. Quoted £1,300 for a new dashboard. I suggesterd a repair by Cartronix .
31-03-2016:Report of both keys of Alfa 159 1.9JTDM intermittently failing to disengage immobiliser. May need reprogramming or may be a problem with the immobiliser/ECU.
10-10-2016:Flat spot reported from engine of Alfa 159 Sportwagon 2.0JTD, thought to be a clogged EGR.
