Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 Lusso 5dr

For This 2.0-litre diesel engine offers better performance but superior carbon dioxide emissions and economy than the higher-powered 1.9-litre model. The cabin is an attractive place in which to spend time.

Against The engine is noisy when revved and the 159 isn't the entertaining sporting estate that it's billed as. Hauling heavy items over the high loading sill and through the narrow boot opening is a pain.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This 159 offers a fine combination of running costs and performance. Pity it isn't more practical or better to drive.

Reader review rating

4.2

Key facts

0–60mph: 9 secs
Top speed: 135 mph
Average mpg: 52.3
Tank range: 792 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon range

Cheaper

Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 Turismo 5dr
£23,750
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 Turismo 5dr
£24,750
Sportwagon 1750 TBi Turismo 5dr
£24,765
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 Lusso 5dr
£25,400
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 Lusso 5dr
£26,400
Sportwagon 1750 TBi Lusso 5dr
£26,415
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 TI 5dr
£26,900
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 TI 5dr
£27,900
Sportwagon 1750 TBi TI 5dr
£27,915

More expensive

Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 Turismo 5dr
£23,750
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 Turismo 5dr
£24,750
Sportwagon 1750 TBi Turismo 5dr
£24,765
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 Lusso 5dr
£25,400
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 Lusso 5dr
£26,400
Sportwagon 1750 TBi Lusso 5dr
£26,415
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 TI 5dr
£26,900
Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 170 TI 5dr
£27,900
Sportwagon 1750 TBi TI 5dr
£27,915

The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 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 huge fun
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Off the pace next to rivals
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Well priced, but residuals are uncertain
Quality & Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Solid; needs to improve on 156's record
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
As stuffed with safety kit as its rivals
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
No-nonsense dash; good driving position
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Bigger boot than saloon, but trails rivals
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
All cars come well stocked

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

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.