Alfa Romeo 159

The Alfa Romeo 159, four-door passenger cars in 2005 that replaced the 156, is available with saloon bodywork and family (Sportwagon). Received in 2008 some changes were mainly to details of the carrier (more information) and, since mid 2009, will have a wider range of engines.

Be available in three petrol engines: 1.9 JTS 160 hp, the new 1750 TBI 200 hp (replace the 2.2 JTS 185 bhp) and 260 hp 3.2 JTS. Diesels are two 1.9 JTDm 120 or 150 hp, the new 2.0 JTDm 170 hp and a 2.4 JTDm 210 CV. Although JTDm engines of 150 hp and 170 will coexist for a while, the least powerful of the range will disappear along 2009. All motors may be associated with either body.

All are front-wheel drive 159, but versions 2.4 and 3.2 JTS JTDm are also available with a total drive system (through a Torsen differential). In addition, since 2008 is a self front differential ( 'Q2') for the more powerful petrol versions.

Along with the manual, there are two machines, a torque converter ( "Q-tronic") and another with an automated manual box without clutch pedal (Selespeed). Depending on the engine, it takes one or the other.

With the new petrol engine BIT 1750, the 159 has better features than the 2.2 JTS. In the saloon, the maximum speed is 13 km / h higher (235 km / h compared to 222 km / h) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h 1.1 s is better (7.7 versus 8.8 s). In addition, the 1.7 liter engine gives maximum power at a lower speed (200 hp from 4750 to 5500 rpm) than the 2.2-liter (185 hp at 6,500 rpm). The maximum torque is also greater (320 Nm versus 230 Nm).

Something similar occurs when comparing the 1.9 JTDm 150 hp engine and replaced it, the 2.0 JTDm 170 CV. This makes the 159 family reach a maximum speed of 216 km / h (8 to 11 km / h more, depending on the exchange rate) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 9 s (0.6 s less than the 1.9 JTDm with manual and 1.1 s less than the "Q-tronic).

The more affordable version of the 159 costs € 26,990 (1.9 JTDm 120 CV Distinctive). The most expensive is on sale from € 45,500 (260 Sportwagon 3.2 JTS Q4 TI Q-Tronic CV).

Dynamic qualities

A Citroen C5, Toyota Avensis or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class are more comfortable than the 159 in all sorts of ways. If you want a car with a direct contact BMW Serie3 or Mazda6 may be preferred. But overall, the dynamic qualities of the Alfa Romeo 159 are better than those of cars that cost the same if we consider overall performance, consumption, stability and suspension comfort. Assessing this feature set, a Lexus IS is an attractive alternative to 159.

It is not a large car because the external dimensions, but it is enough for four adults. The luggage space is not large: the trunk, with a volume of 405 l is the smallest. The Sportwagon has a trunk of 455 liters, a volume that is not large in relation to other cars that have their size has no solutions and do so particularly functional.

Km77.com thoroughly tested in the 159 JTD engine with five cylinders and 200 hp, now gives 210 hp. The acceleration of this version was the standard in other cars with 200 hp turbocharged engine (either gasoline or diesel), which is more than enough to keep pace with a quick trip by road and one way to advance easily into the double sense.

The recovery capacity is lower than that of other less powerful models. This is due not so much the engine, but the fact that the 159 weighs a lot and have a somewhat long transmission developments.

The deposit is 70 l Sporwagon, compared to 65 l with the 159 four-door. This difference is determined, rather than the shell itself, the shape of the tube that runs from the mouth of filling up the tank.

The familiar body weighs 50 kg more than the four-door. The difference in performance and consumption between the two models (for the same engine) is very small.

The equipment is standard on a car of this kind. Among the elements related to safety are front airbags, side, front (can not bring back), head (curtain) and to the knees of the driver, traction control and stability. Other devices have a series of two-zone climate control, onboard computer and radio controls on the steering wheel.

You can not have some modern elements, such as active developer of speed, a device that reduces the potential accident trauma (such as' pre-crash), an adaptive lighting system and automatic parking brake.