Ten Point Test

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 79%


The name Alfa Romeo is always sure to arouse the interest of those with a passion of cars.

And if you want an alternative to the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 which is going to turn heads then the Alfa Romeo 159 demands to be on your short list.

We drove the Alfa Romeo 159 for a week. Read on for our Ten Point Test of the car.

1. Looks 10/10

This is the main reason why the words Alfa Romeo command respect from petrolheads – and anyone with even a passing interest in motoring for that matter. The compact executive/family saloon market does not carry a huge design expectation – these are the cars which are most likely to cover most miles and meet fairly functional demands, ease of cruising among them. This cliché is less true nowadays with some genuine lookers on the market. But arguably none more so than the Alfa Romeo 159.

The design is the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro. And if you don’t know the name you will certainly know the work. From the original VW Golf, to the Maserati Spyder to the Saab 9000, the Italian designer has certainly left his mark on the modern car – in a good way. The Alfa 159 invites you to look at it and then go back and pat it while muttering: “it’s mine”. The distinctive shield-shaped grille, flanked by equally-recognisable headlights, creates sleek lines which flow back into the wedged bonnet and add up to a modern design classic.

2. Looks inside 7/10

This is a driver-centric car with the eye-catching central console tilted to involve the motorist. This is aluminium on the Lusso trim and lends driving a greater sense of occasion, creating a cockpit-style feel. The aluminium also features on the doors’ interior and the steering wheel, which feels substantial and looks good.

With controls including oil and water housed within the central console the information display appears simple and uncluttered with an easily-read speedo and rev counter flanking the digital display where trip details can be accessed by a stalk. The gearstick and handbrake are located in very natural feeling positions, with the armrest in particular positioned with the driver very much in mind. A stop/start button also looks good and adds a sense of occasion to every journey.

3. Practicality 7/10

The Alfa 159 is bigger inside compared to the Alfa 156 it replaces and the driver’s space feels focussed. Rear legroom could be an issue for tall occupants in tandem and front-seat passengers can feel a little neglected by the driver-focussed nature of the car (the central console is tilted towards the person at the wheel). The sports saloon’s door pockets are shallow and there is just one cup holder. The spacious boot can accommodate 450-litres of luggage and is easily accessed.

4. Ride and Handling 8/10

Centring the car around the person behind the wheel raises high driving expectations and the Alfa 159 rewards the driver with the ability to attack corners confident that the steering and handling will respond. It also fits the cruiser remit with a ride quality which makes easy work of long journeys. Opt for the 3.2-litre JTS model for four-wheel drive.

5. Performance 8/10

We drove the 150bhp 1.9-litre diesel which can cover 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 127mph. Maximum pulling power is delivered between 1750rpm and 3250rpm and helps the car feel brisk and responsive through the six speed manual gearbox, if a little noisy at lower speeds. More power is available from the 210bhp 2.4-litre while there are three petrol engines to choose from: a 140bhp 1.8-litre, a 185bhp 2.2-litre and the top of the range 260bhp 3.2-litre model. This also provides the greatest performance with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 147mph. Most models feature the option of an automatic gearbox.

View more pictures of the Alfa Romeo 159

6. Running Costs 7/10

The 1.9-litre diesel model we drove features the most economical motoring. CO2 emissions of 159g/km place it in car tax band D with an annual bill of £145. Average fuel consumption is an average of 47.1mpg – and we recorded around the 40mpg mark for two 200 mile journeys with an average speed of 63mph. The top of the range model’s performance is coupled with 23.2mpg average fuel consumption and car tax band G CO2 emissions of 289g/km attracting a £400 annual bill. Insurance groups range from 11-16.

7. Reliability 7/10

The Reliability Index reveals Alfa as the fourth worst performing manufacturer in terms of reliability with only Porsche, Jeep and Land Rover earning a worse rating. The current version of the Alfa 159 went on sale in 2006 and a rating is not yet available for this specific model’s reliability. However, things have taken a definite turn for the better as far as Alfa’s reliability is concerned. Improvements in build quality have been rewarded by good feedback from buyers and left a good impression on us.

8. Safety 9/10

The Alfa Romeo 159 earned a maximum five stars following EuroNCAP crash tests. Seven airbags are standard as are anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, and traction control. Parking sensors should help reduce the risk of a bump too.

9. Equipment 7/10

Alfa offers two trim levels: Turismo and Lusso, though the exact features differ depending on which engine configuration is chosen. Electric folding heated door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, electronic stop/start button, trip computer, cruise control, seven airbags and 8-speaker CD/radio all come as standard regardless of model chosen. The Lusso trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel kick plates, aluminium centre console (as opposed to soft touch metallic finish), leather upholstery, parking sensor and visibility pack including automatic lights and windscreen wipers.

10. X-Factor 9/10

The Alfa Romeo performs well in many areas of the Auto Trader Ten Point Test but excels in one. Looks. If turning heads is your number one priority this is the saloon for you.

Key facts

Model tested: Alfa Romeo 159 JTDm 16v Lusso
On the road price: £22,250
Price range: £18,550 – £30,850
Date tested: April 2008
Road tester: Adrian Higgins