Is the Alfa 159 but as good as we think?

Posted on 13-04-2016:19: 40 by willeme – 138 Comments”

We go the Autoblog-reaguurderslieveling just take a moment to objectively analyze…

The Alfa Romeo 159. Who does not? Not so much because it is the best car of all time is, but actually a very simple reason: it is a beauty. Another reason is its predecessor. The Alfa 156. One of the most successful modern Alfa Romeo’s, both in execution as well as sales. But now comes the moment to the Tipo 939 to analyze. Because it is all hosanna around the 159 however, is it correct?

The introduction took place in Munich. That was an idea of Karl-Heinz Kalbfell. He held for many years high positions at BMW, but changed his position in BMW (actually, Rolls Royce) to Alfa Romeo. The 159 was a little off and it seemed to him a good idea of the journaille to get acquainted with the Alfa 159 in the habitat of the largest competitor. This created high expectations: the 159 would be in all respects better than the BMW 3-series. Was he that also? According To Mr. Kalbfell, the best man was a genuine petrolhead. Besides several Alfa’s and Maserati’s, he gave us the Artega GT.

Design:
The biggest plus point of the 159. It is absolutely a timeless beauty. Actually even nicer than the new Giulia. Also the interior was certainly worth it, with all those gauges on the dashboard, and the beautiful aluminum finish. This is of course lens. On the other hand, it seems to me that the public is 159 on the left has to lie because of the design.

Platform:
Here it went wrong. Fiat worked at that time along with General Motors. It was supposed to be the successor of the 156 on the Epsilon platform to develop. However, the disadvantage was that it was a bit ‘boring’ platform was. The Vectra, 9-3, Malibu and Croma were fine cars, but not really special as the dynamic qualities. So it was 159 on the new ‘Premium’ platform. However, this was shortened. Because basically, this was a platform designed for the larger and more luxurious cars from Buick, Saab, Cadillac, and so also Alfa Romeo. However, the platform was quite heavy, eventually causing the other brands the Epsilon II program started to use.

Compared with the competition (S60, A4, 3-series) is that the 159 is on average significantly heavier than a comparable German or Swede. This is the 159 not overly spacious.

Engines:
Also a thing to, because they were absolutely not of the caliber of what Alpha ex will solve the problems. The 1.8 was in performance, a mockery. The 2.2 JTS was not free of errors. The 3.2 was slow, thirsty and lacked the charm of the Busso V6. The best choice was actually the one of the diesels. Both the 1.9 JTD and 2.4 JTD (200hp!) were finer engines with their torque the overweight a bit, could camouflage.

Reliability:
We can be brief about his: the Alfa Romeo 159 is known as a relatively reliable car, here are the points you should pay attention to. There are some points of attention, but that is with every car. Also the build quality was at a considerably higher level than the 156. It was definitely more car.

The drive:
Little double. On the one hand was the steering itself is very nice: exactly, and with enough feeling. The base was also not wrong. Comfortable, but with sufficient sharpness. However, you go for, it’s all a bit awkward and you notice that the 159 is quite a few kilos too much. The BMW 3-Series (E90) had a significantly lower burden of. In fact, the C-class (W204) was even more competent. So maybe less suitable for the Stelviopas, but long snelwegritten there are, however, again a forte of the 159.

2008:
The year in which Alfa 159, provided an update. There, use was made of aluminium which makes the 159 is about 40-50 pounds lighter. The V6 gained even more speed, because you could this version now also order it without the 4wd system. Another advantage: there came again an Alpha worthy engine, the 1750 TBI with 200hp. A lighter car, excited motor: this seemed a lot more at. Also, were there real Alfa diesels.

Top model:
That was not there. He was also ready. Because there was a twin turbo V6 is planned, on the basis of the 3.2. However, in terms of price would these be at the level of the German Three, all of which had decided that an atmospheric V8 would be the solution. The topper would not be strong enough (about 400 hp), but especially too heavy. That was the second reason, because such a car GTA (A stands for Allegrita, lightweight) call was difficult. For tuner autodelta based was the gap in the market, because the powertrain could with ease more power to you. The British company produced several upgrades, including the J12, a 400pk strong V6 with compressor.

Motorsport:
Maybe a weird indicator, but to a sporty brand like Alfa Romeo may still be of interest. The 156 was available in various race versions. A simple 156 Challenge (cup series) to the 156 GTA WTCC racers. Also, of the 155 (DTM) and 75 (IMSA), there were brutal racers. There is, however, raced with the 159, only by a privéteam with nota bene a diesel engine…

Prices:
Not entirely different than what we were used to in this class. For a little less than 29 mille, you had the entry-level model (1.8 with substance and caps) and for 49,5 mille, you had the 3.2 with AWD. So just under the 3-series, more on S60 level. Exactly as you would expect. In 2010, it took a 159 1750 TBI with TI package 37k.

Conclusion:
The 159 is unfortunately not as good as it could have been. It is not a wrong car, but the ‘Alfa-ism’, there is talent out of work. In terms of specs aren’t interesting for the generic merkrijder, and also for the average Alfist, it was an Opel too far.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 159

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