Car Reviews

Honest John Reviews Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011) Review

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011) At A Glance

4/5

+Stylish estate. Goes and handles just like an Alfa should. Strong performing JTDM diesels, Available with four-wheel drive.

-Driving position could be better. No spare wheel as standard. High rear load lip. Problems with 1.9 JTDM diesels.

Insurance Groups are between 18–30
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure

The separate launch of the Sportwagon gave a chance to drive the 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 and get re-acquainted with the 1.9 JTDM.

Round the back it's a deep-booted high sill wagon; more like a hatchback than an estate. But there is plenty of room in the back with useful size cubbies and two fold down panels behind the rear wheels that either provide storage space behind or provide the width to take golf clubs. Boot volume is actually 445 litres, 10% more than the saloon and 24% more than the 156 Sportwagon. There is also a bit more headroom in the back seat, especially for the centre rear passenger. The rest is as the 159 saloon. Same engines. Same dashboard. Same controls.

Alfa Romeo 159 2006 Road Test

 

Reviews for Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals

Saab 9-3
3/5
Comfortable. Solidly built estate with an excellent ride. Predictable handling. Superb seats and plenty...
Jaguar X-Type
3/5
Smart looks and roomy load bay. V6s are four-wheel drive. Diesels are quite frugal.
BMW 3 Series
4/5
Very good to drive. Exceptionally good 320d engine. Practical loadspace. Huge performance from 335i.

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011) handling and engines

First out we tried the chain cam 3.2 JTS Q4, the 159 a lot of people have been waiting for. 90% of its 290Nm torque is under your foot from 1,800rpm to 6,250rpm with the limiter cutting in at 7,250rpm. First disappointment was what the engine looked like on lifting the bonnet. No delicious induction tubes, just a rough casting. No beautiful alloy cam covers. Just a plastic fake cam cover with fake Allen screws. We had been told that though the block came from GM, the rest of the engine was pure Alfa.

Gearing is a bit odd. First gives just over 30mph and is over very quickly, like the original Mondeo ST200. Second then gives 70, so there's big gap between the two and no chance of ignoring the low first to start in second. Third, fourth, fifth and sixth are then closely spaced with 6th giving 27.5mph per 1,000rpm. Sure you can pick up a lot of speed very quickly, but not like an old Alfa V6 and it certainly doesn't sound like one.

The four wheel drive Torsen centre diff system is supposed to bias to the back 57/43 giving immediate response with slight oversteer at the limit. The torque split is 78 rear to 28 front on acceleration and the opposite on lift-off. Ours didn't give that impression. Yet on roundabouts it's very difficult to kill the understeer. You go in and try to power out, but you don't fee the transition to rear bias, then the harder you press the more understeer you get. There is obviously a technique to driving this car that I didn't learn in the 25 miles or so I spent behind the wheel.

After that it was back into a 150PS 1.9 JTDm Sportwagon, with the ASR turned off. Sixty joyous miles and the best drive I've had this year. As I wrote before, this car may be a diesel but it's a pure Alfa (Alfa did, in fact, invent the common rail diesel). The high sill at the back keeps the body nice and rigid. Front end bite is exactly right, steering feel is excellent, the chassis is totally trustworthy and even the ride is comfortable. It simply feels like exactly the right car.

This was confirmed by the fuel consumption. 34.2mpg, knocking on a fair bit, compared to 15.4mpg from the 3.2 Q4. End of story.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.8 MPI 36–36 mpg 10.4 s 183–187 g/km
1.9 JTDm 16V 41–49 mpg 9.4–9.7 s 153–182 g/km
1.9 JTDm 8V 53 mpg 10.9 s 140 g/km
1.9 JTS 32 mpg 9.9 s 209 g/km
1750 TBi 34 mpg 7.9 s 186–194 g/km
2.0 JTDm 16V 51–52 mpg 9.0 s 142–145 g/km
2.0 JTDm 16V 136 54 mpg 10.1 s 137 g/km
2.2 JTS 30–30 mpg 8.9–9.0 s 220–224 g/km
2.4 JTDm 35–41 mpg 8.3–8.5 s 181–210 g/km
3.2 JTS 25–25 mpg 7.2 s 262–272 g/km

Real MPG average for the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011)

RealMPG

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

84%

Real MPG

16–49 mpg

MPGs submitted

127

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011) interior

Dimensions
Length 4660 mm
Width 1828 mm
Height 1417–1422 mm
Wheelbase 2700 mm

Full specifications

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 Sportwagon (2006 – 2011) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4660 mm
Width 1828 mm
Height 1417–1422 mm
Wheelbase 2700 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1435–1695 kg
Boot Space 445–1245 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 18000–21000 miles
Costs
List Price £19,600–£30,350
Insurance Groups 18–30
Road Tax Bands E–M
Official MPG 24.6–54.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult 5
Child 4
Pedestrian 1
Overall -

On sale until April 2012

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1750 TBi Lusso 5dr £26,415 34.0 mpg 7.9 s
1750 TBi TI 5dr £27,915 34.0 mpg 7.9 s
1750 TBi Turismo 5dr £24,765 34.0 mpg 7.9 s
2.0 JTDm 16v Lusso (136bhp) 5dr £25,400 54.3 mpg 10.1 s
2.0 JTDm 16v Lusso 5dr £26,400 52.3 mpg 9.0 s
2.0 JTDm 16v TI (136bhp) 5dr £26,900 54.3 mpg 10.1 s
2.0 JTDm 16v TI 5dr £27,900 52.3 mpg 9.0 s
2.0 JTDm 16v Turismo (136bhp) 5dr £23,750 54.3 mpg 10.1 s
2.0 JTDm 16v Turismo 5dr £24,750 52.3 mpg 9.0 s

On sale until July 2010

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.9 JTDm 16v Elegante £23,265 48.7 mpg 9.4 s
1.9 JTDm 16v Elegante Auto £23,265 40.9 mpg 9.7 s
1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso £24,415 48.7 mpg 9.4 s
1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso Auto £24,415 40.9 mpg 9.7 s
1.9 JTDm 16v TI £25,515 48.7 mpg 9.4 s
1.9 JTDm 16v TI Auto £25,515 40.9 mpg 9.7 s
1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo £22,285 48.7 mpg 9.4 s
1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo Sport £23,105 48.7 mpg 9.4 s
1.9 JTDm 8v ECO Turismo £21,500 53.3 mpg 10.9 s
1.9 JTDm 8v ECO Turismo Sport £22,320 53.3 mpg 10.9 s
1750 TBi Elegante £24,590 34.0 mpg 7.9 s
1750 TBi Turismo Sport £24,430 34.0 mpg 7.9 s
2.0 JTDm 16v Elegante £24,380 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
2.0 JTDm 16v Turismo Sport £24,220 51.4 mpg 9.0 s
2.2 JTS Elegante £23,395 30.4 mpg 8.9 s
2.2 JTS Lusso £24,545 30.4 mpg 8.9 s
2.2 JTS TI £25,645 30.4 mpg 8.9 s
2.4 JTDm Elegante £25,925 40.9 mpg 8.3 s
2.4 JTDm Elegante Auto £25,925 35.3 mpg 8.5 s
2.4 JTDm Lusso £27,075 40.9 mpg 8.3 s
2.4 JTDm Lusso Auto £27,075 35.3 mpg 8.5 s
2.4 JTDm TI £28,175 40.9 mpg 8.3 s
2.4 JTDm TI Auto £28,175 35.3 mpg 8.5 s
3.2 JTS Elegante £27,835 25.4 mpg 7.2 s
3.2 JTS V6 Lusso £28,985 25.4 mpg 7.2 s
3.2 JTS V6 TI £30,085 25.4 mpg 7.2 s

On sale until February 2009

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 MPI Lusso £21,100 36.2 mpg 10.4 s
1.8 MPI Turismo £19,600 36.2 mpg 10.4 s
2.2 JTS Turismo £22,300 30.4 mpg 8.9 s
2.4 JTDm Q4 Lusso £27,720 38.2 mpg 8.5 s
2.4 JTDm Q4 TI £28,670 38.2 mpg 8.5 s
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 Lusso £29,400 24.6 mpg 7.2 s
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 Lusso Auto £29,400 - -
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI £30,350 24.6 mpg 7.2 s
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI Auto £30,350 - -

On sale until April 2008

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 MPI £19,655 36.2 mpg 10.4 s
1.9 JTDm 16v £21,855 47.1 mpg 9.4 s
2.2 JTS £22,355 30.4 mpg 8.9 s

On sale until May 2007

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.8 MPI Turismo £19,650 35.8 mpg 10.4 s

On sale until February 2007

Estate
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo £21,850 46.3 mpg 9.6 s
1.9 JTS Turismo £21,350 32.1 mpg 9.9 s
2.2 JTS Turismo £22,350 29.7 mpg 9.0 s

Model History

March 2006

Debut at March 2006 Geneva Motor Show

Same length as saloon (4,660mm). In UK from late Spring 2006. Two trim levels with wide range of exterior and interior colours. Three new JTS engines with continuously variable valve timing, (260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, 185 bhp 2.2 and 160 bhp 1.9); and two MultiJet turbodiesel engines (200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v and 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v). All of these are fitted with new six-speed manual gearboxes, and some versions will also offer automatic transmission.

June 2007

159 Turismo Internazionale launched

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 plus 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 £24,500

3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI £30,300

3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI QTRONIC £31,750

2.4 JTDM TI £26,500

2.4 JTDM TI QTRONIC £27,950

2.4 JTDM Q4 TI £28,500

August 2009

New engines and Trims announced

1750i TBi

Alfa Romeo’s new, lightweight, variable valve timing, direct injection turbocharged 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 Saloon and Sportwagon versions, along with lower CO2 emissions, down to 189 g/km.

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 170 bhp 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” 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 £22,900 for 200PS 1750 Turismo and same £22,900 for 170PS 2.0JTDM Turismo.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

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 coincedental 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.

31-05-2011:

Radiator hoses chafe on fan housings.

21-07-2011:

Manuals seem to be suffering from a spate of transmission failures.

07-11-2011:

Report of timing belt of 2.4 diesel failing at 66k milkes v/s Alfa 'life' of 72k miles.

03-01-2012:

Report of 159 2.0 JTD displaying same DMF problems as afflicts Insignias with the same drivetrain.

01-02-2012:

Apparently no oil pumps for 2.4JTD in the whole of Europe.

10-10-2016:

Flat spot reported from engine of Alfa 159 Sportwagon 2.0JTD, thought to be a clogged EGR.