Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon 2.0 JTDm 170 TI 4dr

For This 2.0-litre diesel engine mixes strong performance with decent economy and carbon dioxide emissions. The cabin is attractive and every 159 comes well kitted.

Against The engine is noisy when revved and has little pull just above idle. The 159 feels cumbersome and the ride is too easily unsettled by bumpy roads. Rear-seat space could be better as well.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

No question, the 159 is a good-looking car, and the 2.0-litre diesel is a decent engine. The rest of the car is well off the compact executive pace, though.

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.8 secs
Top speed: 136 mph
Average mpg: 53.3
Tank range: 821 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon range

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.