Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon (06-11) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 14 June 2011
The replacement for the 156 follows a familiar recipe for Alfa Romeo. Its stunning four-door body is awash with delightful details, from the triple lens headlights to the sculpted door handles. The interior is similarly evocative with an emphasis on Italian style setting it apart from alternatives while it drives in a sporty manner with a range of powerful petrol and diesel engines. All this will sound familiar to anyone who has owned an Alfa before but the 159 has to shake off the reputation for shoddy build quality and apathetic dealers. Alfa Romeo claims to have addressed these issues, which if true means owners won't have to suffer for their passion
4 out of 5

Other Alfa Romeo reviews

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

There's a good choice of models on the second hand market with the 1.9 JTDM the most popular. The trim levels can be a little confusing but if you remember that Turismo is the entry-level (but still pretty well equipped) and Lusso the top version, it makes things easier. The TI is a sporty model that was introduced in June 2007. If you're after a 2.4-litre diesel be sure to check whether it's the 200bhp or 210bhp version.

  • Boot/Load Space Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon (06-11)
  • Interior Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon (06-11)

View full gallery

See 81 used Alfa Romeo 159 Saloons for sale, starting at £6,495

3.5 out of 5

Selling

The 159 will sell, like any other Alfa, to those who love the looks and are passionate about their choice of cars. Time will tell whether it also appeals to those who buy with their heads too, but it shouldn't be too difficult to shift. The 1.9-litre JTDM will prove especially popular and of course the famous Alfa Red paintwork will always be sought after.