Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon 1750 TBi Turismo 4dr

For The turbocharged engine is far punchier than the 2.2, and has lower emissions and better economy to boot. Compact execs don't get much better looking than the 159, either.

Against You’ll have to put up with stodgy handling and a restless ride. The front wheels also struggle to cope with the engine’s power all too easily. The boot opening is narrow and some of the switchgear is fiddly.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

With this engine, the 159 is a rapid compact exec. Pity it's neither particularly entertaining to drive nor especially comfortable, though. It's a flawed package.

Reader review rating

3.925926

Key facts

0–60mph: 7.7 secs
Top speed: 147 mph
Average mpg: 34.9
Tank range: 537 miles

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Features

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View the whole Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon range

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The Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
A diesel engine makes most sense
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Comfy and assured; but not fun
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Good, if not class-leading
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Residuals are comparatively weak
Quality & Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Solid, but not German standards
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
As much safety kit as rivals
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
No-nonsense dash; good driving position
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Boot not as big as rivals'
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
All cars come well equipped

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Alfa Romeos are bought with the heart, not the head. The 159 compact executive might not be a scamp of a coupe, care-free drop-top or sexy supercar, but this maxim still applies. The styling proves that everyday cars like this can also be lovely to look at.

However, there are lots of other warning signs that you have to swerve around before you arrive at 159 ownership. The What Car? Reliability Survey shows that the brand hasn’t got a great track record in this area, and our in-depth customer satisfaction study with JD Power shows that Alfa customers aren’t happy, even if they do drive an attractive car.

While equipment levels are high, and discounts tempting, resale values are weak and will hit you where it hurts.If you’re not put off, the 159 has a five-star Euro NCAP rating to keep you safe, and a three-year warranty to cover the things that are likely to go wrong.