YOUR CAR IN BRIEF: Alfa Romeo 159
Easily the coolest and most stylish executive sedan and wagon on the market, the Alfa Romeo 159 has stunning presence on the road, and unlike some German competitors, does not look like a real estate agent's car. The overall effect is of something much more youthful than the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, especially inside. The interior does, admittedly look cheaper than it's rivals, but providing you choose the optional orange or red leather, I don't think you'll care - it still looks fantastic. In the past, Alfa Romeos have been notorious for their poor reliability, but Alfa has promised that this new 159 bucks this trend - we'll have to wait and see. Expect reliability to be higher than Alfa's previous standards, and on par with the class average, but not class leading (Audi A4). The 2.4 litre diesel engine is definitely the best, if you can afford it, but then again, diesel engines don't appeal to everyone. This one is one of the best out there, however.
As a used car? You want to be extra careful because of the reliability issues mentioned above. But because it is an Alfa, expect to pay significantly less than for an equivalent German car. It presents a great value for money option - just don't get a lemon.
Style: 9/10
On-Road Performance: 8.5/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Safety: 5 Star EuroNCAP
Average Real Owner Reliability: 7.5/10 (www.carsurvey.org December 2008)
Engine Type and Displacement - Power - Torque - 0-100kmh Time - Fuel Economy
2.2 Litre Petrol - 136kW - 230Nm - 8.9 secs - 9.4L/100km
1.9 Litre Turbo Diesel - 110kW - 320Nm - 9.5 secs - 6.0L/100km
2.4 Litre Turbo Diesel - 147kW - 400Nm - 8.5 secs - 6.8L/100km
3.2 Litre V6 Petrol - 191kW - 322Nm - 7.1 secs - 11.5L/100km
Features:
Alloy Wheels: YES
Leather: YES
Cruise Control: YES
Air Conditioning: YES - Climate Control
Steering Wheel Audio Controls: YES
Power Windows and Mirrors: YES
Airbags: SEVEN
Stability Control: YES
Foglamps: FRONT AND REAR
Speakers: EIGHT
CD Changer: 10 DISC
Bluetooth: YES
MP3 Compatibility: YES
Metallic Paint: OPTIONAL
Sunroof: OPTIONAL
(click image to enlarge)
WHAT ELSE COULD I GET?BMW 3-Series
Citroen C5
Jaguar X-Type
Lexus IS
Mercedes C-Class
Peugeot 407
Renault Laguna
Saab 9-3
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo S40
Volvo S60
December 28, 2008 at 1:07 PM
I didn't know that they sold Alfa Romeos in Australia. I don't think I've ever seen one on the streets. I've seen a lot of Toyotos though.
December 28, 2008 at 3:16 PM
Thai, that happens if you come from an area like Footscray. However, Alfa Romeos are less common in Australia as they have shocking resale values, previous models had poor build quality and appeal to Australian consumers.
December 28, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Sadly, Footscray doesn't have a high density of Alfa Romeos. You need to be fairly brave to take the risk of owning an Alfa, basically because of the reliability issues mentioned.
But I like brave people. Alfa Romeo's brighten my day. Sad, huh?
December 28, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Unfortunately, I don't really recall any suburb with a high density of Alfa Romeos. You could say Toorak, but the car nuts living there are ruled by their heads and never their hearts, which take them to Mercs, BMWs, Audis, Ferraris (controversial make there because its Italian and full of passion and heritage, but in my opinion if your heart decided which Ferrari you should get it should be an OLD one, like the Daytona, 250GT, or an Enzo :P) Porsches, Bentleys. I like brave people too, those who are brave enough to buy Maserati Granturismos, Quattroportes, and Alfa Romeo Breras despite the formidable competition.
December 29, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I see a lot of limos and expensive drive through Footscray on Cup Day...
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