For You'll enjoy the turbocharged engine's punchy performance, and it's better economy and emissions than the 2.2-litre model's. The 159 Sportwagon is a striking-looking estate.
Against You'll be disappointed by the cumbersome handling and jittery ride. For an estate, the narrow boot opening and high loading lip are particularly annoying.
Prices are getting high with this engine, but if it's a petrol 159 Sportwagon you're after, then this is the one. A 2.0-litre diesel model would have similar performance but lower running costs, though.
Alfa Romeos are bought with the heart, not the head and although the 159 Sportwagon isn't a scamp of a coupe, care-free drop-top or sexy supercar, 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 the brand hasn’t got a great track record in this area, and our in-depth customer satisfaction study with JD Power shows Alfa customers aren’t happy, even if they do have an attractive car on their driveway.
On top of that, while equipment levels are high and discounts tempting, resale values are weak and will hit you where it hurts.
If you’re not yet 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.
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