2008 Alfa Romeo 159 Reviews

Mention Alfa Romeo in conversation and you're sure to get a mixed response. The Italian brand has plenty of admirers willing to wax lyrical about its sensuous styling and fabulous handling, but there are probably as many who would happily condemn it for poor build quality and dodgy reliability. There's no question

Alfa Romeo is undergoing a major resurgence in Australia, one that began midway through 2012 when the Italian factory took control here; previously a private importer did that job.

Few badges polarize opinions like Alfa Romeo; it's one of those brands you either love or loathe, either way it's usually with a passion. Most people acknowledge that Alfas look great and deliver an engaging drive experience like few others, but just as many would say they wouldn't buy one because of the brand's reputation for poor quality and unreliability. It's fair to say that the company has worked hard to lift its game in recent times to put that reputation behind them, but despite that there remains a lingering doubt about its success at eradicating the things that can make its cars frustrating to own. The mid-sized 159 arrived in 2006 with the promise that the woes of the past were indeed in the past. Like all Alfas it looked like sex on wheels. Few carmakers produce more attractive cars than Alfa and the 159 was no exception with its timeless athletic lines. Buyers could choose between a four-door sedan and a wagon, there was a choice of two diesels and two petrol engines, and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The 159 is a driver's car, which is obvious when you slide into the body-hugging driver's seat and survey the dash and controls. Like the exterior, the cabin is also a design delight, with instruments nicely placed and easily read, and the controls spread around in a way that is logical and makes them easy to use. The front seats, however, won't be for everyone. While supportive, their heavily contoured shape will suit some bodies, but not others. While seated behind the wheel the limited visibility becomes clear. The high tail and thick pillars make vision from the driver's seat an issue, one that drivers need to come to terms with. IN THE SHOPRusted on Alfa owners are willing to accept things in their cars that others simply wouldn't tolerate. Committed owners are prepared to write them off as 'character', others say they are character building. Anyone not familiar with Alfas should approach the 159 with caution to make sure they aren't left driving a car they can't stand. But don't be deterred, as the 159 is generally reliable with no major flaws. Those things that detract from its appeal are a result of variable build quality. Have an Alfa specialist check over any potential purchase, they will be familiar with the issues that can affect a 159. Sloppy build quality can result in rattles and squeaks in the body and trim that can be hard to find and eliminate. They can also be expensive to fix. Also check over the interior trim, looking for bits and pieces that are poised to fall off. On the road the diesel engine can be noisy, not a problem, just something you need to accept and live with. The ride can be firm, too firm for some, so make sure you're happy to live with that day to day. Like all modern cars servicing is crucial, so look for a service record to confirm that all maintenance has been done according to the book, and preferably done by an experienced Alfa mechanic.IN A CRASHA 5-star tick of approval from ANCAP says it all, the 159 is a safe car. It comes with front, side and head airbags along with ABS braking, traction control and stability control.UNDER THE PUMPWith a choice of diesel and petrol engines 159 buyers have plenty to choose from. The diesels are the best pump performers, both getting around 7.0 L/100 km, while the V6 is the thirstiest of the bunch at more than 11 L/100 km.AT A GLANCE Price new: $55,990 to $77,990Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 2.4-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel, 3.2-litre V6 petrol Power/torque: 136 kW/230 Nm (2.2), 110 kW/320 Nm (2.0TD), 147 kW/400 Nm (2.4TD), 191 kW/322 Nm (V6)Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive.Economy: 6.8 L/100 km (2.4TD), 7.1 L/100 km (2.0 TD), 9.4 L/100 km (2.2), 11.5 L/100 km (V6) Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagonVariants: Base, TiSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Here's something to whet the appetites of driving enthusiasts who like the cachet of an Italian marque but need versatility in luggage space.On paper this car measures up. A V6 petrol engine with variable valve timing and twin overhead camshafts on each cylinder bank. A strong 191kW of power. A broad, low stance pushing its wide-tread, low-profile tyres on to the road where they are propelled by all-wheel drive.Leather-trimmed seats, sports instruments and, at the top of the range, a six-speed automatic with sport mode and steering wheel paddle shifts.Luggage volume is great and even more can be carried when the rear seats are folded flat.It's the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon - the 3.2 JTS Q4 variant, the most expensive of the 159 Sportwagon range.At $80,990 it's quite a swallow; $12,000 more expensive than its fellow-European Volvo V70 V6, which also has all-wheel drive, six-speed automatic and is more powerful and more spacious.It's a shame the Q-Tronic auto lets the wagon down. Even in regular Drive setting, it hangs on to gears far too long, the driver willing it to change up a gear or two to lower the revs, the noise and the fuel bill.In the manual-shift mode, the test car wouldn't accept a command to go into top (sixth) gear at a steady 90km/h on a flat road. It used fuel at a rate of 13.6 litres/100km on a drive that included a Fleurieu cruise. Do mainly city and suburban driving, and petrol consumption will increase.The driver can find an ideal position helped by seat and steering wheel adjustments.The AWD is configured to give a slightly rear-axle bias.This is a wagon that corners with good balance, even at speed.The rear luggage area, accessed by a lift-up tailgate, has a floor about 24cm below the loading lip (more like a hatchback than a station wagon). It's harder to lift items in and out, but probably helps the wonderful chassis integrity.Tie-down hooks, luggage nets and bonus compartments make it appealing. The 445 litres of space (below the luggage blind) expands to 1235 litres with the rear seat down. Then there's the joy of driving an Alfa; the deep-set gauges are there for olio, acqua and benzina and when asked to perform, it generates a raw, racy sound.The $77,990 six-speed manual version might be worth trying along with any of three other engine choices back to the 2.2 four-cylinder petrol (136kW power) from $52,990 where you still get leather trim, dual-zone climate control, 10-stack CD, cruise control, stability control, rear park sensors and alloy wheels. SnapshotAlfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 3.2Price: $80,990Engine: V6 petrol, dohc, 3195cc.Power: 191kW at 6200rpm.Torque: 322Nm at 4500rpm.Transmission: Six-speed Q-Tronic sequential with paddleshift.All-wheel drive.Brakes: 330 x 28mm ventilated front discs, four-piston calipers; 292 x 22mm ventilated rear discs; ABS.Economy: 12.3 litres/100km. Tank capacity 69 litres.Emissions: 291g/km.Wheels: 18in x 8in alloys; 235/45 tyres.Dimensions: 4660mm long, 1828mm wide, 1422mm tall.Performance: 0-100km/h 7.4 seconds. Top speed 237km/h.In its class: Audi A3 Sportback 3.2 quattro, $65,500Saab 9-3 Sportcombi: $75,600Volvo V70: $67,950BMW 335i Touring: $108,600 

Alfa has provided some reasons for delaying purchase of 159 Sportwagon until next year.