Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (06-11) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 25 November 2009
The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is a far more effective estate than its predecessor the 156. The earlier car was an afterthought, that appeared three years after the 156 saloon - but the 159 Sportwagon was developed alongside its saloon counterpart, launched in 2006. The Sportwagon is much stiffer than the old model, making it feel better on the road but one of the biggest improvement is to its load carrying ability. It also looks very attractive, but list prices set it against rather prestigious competition, which have a greater depth of ability.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£19,600 - £31,800

Used price range:

£4,357 - £21,460

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Wonderfully distinctive styling, wonderful cabin, strong diesel line-up, great handling

Not very practical for an estate, tight space for passengers in the back

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is a far more effective estate than its predecessor the 156. The earlier car was an afterthought, that appeared three years after the 156 saloon - but the 159 Sportwagon was developed alongside its saloon counterpart, launched in 2006. The Sportwagon is much stiffer than the old model, making it feel better on the road but one of the biggest improvement is to its load carrying ability. It also looks very attractive, but list prices set it against rather prestigious competition, which have a greater depth of ability.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "There were originally are three petrol engines available starting with the 140bhp 1.8-litre MPI. A..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "The 159 Sportwagon is better to drive than the 156 Sportwagon it replaces thanks to a stiffer body..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "It's not as roomy in the rear as you might expect, but it's no worse than many cars of this size."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "Unlike the 156, the 159 Sportwagon actually has more luggage space than the saloon version with the..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "There were originally two equipment levels to choose between. Turismo models are equipped with..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "The 159 Sportwagon shares its interior design with the sporty Brera and Spider, which means deep-set..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "Lower volumes than the 156 should mean better resale values for the 159 while good equipment levels..."

  • Green credentials

    3 out of 5

    "The 159 performs adequately in terms of CO2 outputs and despite being a sporty brand, there are even..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The 159 performed well in official Euro NCAP crash tests with a five star rating, but there is a..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "The company claims to have improved build quality and cars we've driven so far were certainly free..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "The 159 is priced to compete against BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models, but probably won't hold its..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "Despite its extra practicality, the 159 Sportwagon isn't as popular as the saloon version so you may..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "A 1.9 JTDM in Lusso trim should sell the quickest. Although with relatively few around, it shouldn't..."

Gallery

  • Interior Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (06-11)
  • Exterior Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (06-11)
  • Exterior Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (06-11)
  • Exterior Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon (06-11)

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