Alfa Romeo 159 Saloon full 9 point review

  • Performance

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad There are just three engines to choose from in the 159, with the only petrol option giving the high performance some will think the car's sharp looks demand. However, we’d recommend one of the 2.0-litre diesels, which make more sense financially. These units give either 134bhp or 168bhp, and the latter feels impressively brisk.

  • Ride & Handling

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The 159 deals reasonably well with most surfaces, but you hear the suspension clunking over bumps. Body movement isn’t tightly controlled, either, so the 159 isn’t rewarding on a twisty country road. There’s impressive grip, but while the steering is accurate, it would benefit from sharper initial responses.

  • Refinement

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Refinement is okay, even though the 159 isn’t as hushed as a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C-Class. Road and wind noise are kept to a reasonable level, but the diesel engines can be rather boomy, and you'll feel the vibrations in the cabin.

  • Buying & Owning

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Model for model, a 159 will cost you a lot less to buy than an equivalent BMW or Mercedes. Sounds good. Be careful, though, because the Alfa’s resale values can’t get close to those of the Germans. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption aren’t anywhere near as low as the cleanest BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 models, either.

  • Quality & Reliability

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The interior looks smart and is sturdily built, so it’s a pity that the materials can’t match those in the 159’s German rivals for appeal. Alfa Romeo hasn’t performed well for reliability in recent JD Power customer satisfaction surveys. Owners also reckon that repairs are pricey and dealer service is poor.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Safety kit is comprehensive. Stability control and front, side and curtain airbags are standard, along with a driver’s knee ’bag. There are also front-seat head restraints that move to minimise whiplash injuries. The 159 has been crash tested by Euro NCAP and awarded a maximum five-star score. Its security showing is impressive, too.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The Alfa has a key-slot and push-button ignition system, but the rest of the dashboard is refreshingly fuss-free. The instruments are of the big and bold variety, while the controls for the stereo and heating functions are clearly labelled and easy to use. The two-way steering wheel adjustment could do with a little more movement for reach, but most drivers will be able to get comfortable.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin You’re unlikely to go short of space in the 159. There’s plenty of leg- and headroom up front and decent – if not class-leading – provision in the rear. Four tall adults will be comfortable. At 405 litres, the 159’s boot is an acceptable size, but it’s not as large or well shaped as an Audi A4’s or Mercedes C-Class’s.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Even the entry-level car has alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and four electric windows, while Turismo models add Bluetooth, larger alloys, cruise control and folding wing mirrors. On top of that, Lusso brings a unique interior trim, a Visibility Pack and sports dials. At the top of the range, TI models have loads of toys, plus sports suspension and 19-inch alloys.

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