ALFA ROMEO 159 SPORTWAGON REVIEW

My car

I have driven 31000 miles in this car which was bought as a pre-registered model in November 2007.

I have found the handling to be OK. It is comfortable to drive on long journeys (400+ miles on French Autoroutes in a day). Reliability has been good - the only problem being a faulty passenger airbag isolation switch. Most of my journeys are short ones so I have averaged about 36 mpg. Tyre wear has been disappointing at about 14500 miles per set - I think that I should have kept a closer eye on the pressures.

It is being changed for a Guilietta 1.4 multiair this week as I now need something a bit smaller.

My car

After managing to negotiate with my fleet manager (usual Alfa Romeo worries) I took delivery of a Sportwagon in May, and six months later I'm really pleased I took the effort.

I have just passed 15,000 miles with no problems (aside from a minor fault with the bluetooth Blue&Me system - fixed in 10 minutes by Alfa Romeo in Cantebury).

As in other reviews, there's nothing much to say about the looks - it's stunning and people still can't help but stare and comment.

The driving position is fine, although like most cars now, the driver's seat could ideally go lower, but that's my only gripe.

The quality and design of the interior is fantastic - certainly better than the Saab 9-3 I had previously.

The additional flexibility of the Sportwagon means there are no problems with transporting my two sons around and a week driving down to the Alps was easy.

Fuel economy isn't great, but, just before 15,000 miles, the engine seems to have run in and I'm averaging just under 40mpg - not bad considering I make the most of the sporty nature of the car.

It's so much more appealing than the BMWs and Audis that seem to be the default choice.

My car

Having test driven and seen what the saloon looked like I was eager to get hold of my new sportwagon last November. 7 months later and nothing has gone wrong to my colleagues and friends amazement. There is no argument as to the looks and visual appeal from the outside. The interior is just as good, more practical but still with design flair. I just wish that the door pockets and center armrest storage would be larger and a more practical shape. The seats are among the most comfortable and supportive. Rear passengers do suffer with reduced legroom but this was no worse that the A4 I previously used. The Boot is a good shape and deep but the load lip and small opening are slightly restrictive but this is always going to be style over function and does not cause real irritation. Behind the wheel it has been a delight to drive. The engine pulls well throughout the range in any gear. Steering is precise and the brakes are excellent. I'm not getting the kind of economy I would have expected but now its done 10000 miles its loosened up and has improved.

There are no rattles or loose trim. They seem to have got their act together and built a great car.

This car just makes me smile if I'm looking at it or driving it. Would recommend it if you want something a bit different

My car

What a car - it's absolutely beautiful to look at, a real Gwen Stafani, and one thing for sure is that heads turn when you drive through a city centre.

I had the pleasure of driving this car for two weeks, and as soon as I get this old boring Saab out of the way I am going straight down and buying this new 159 Sportwagon. I had read so many good write-ups on the car, and this is what tempted me.

It handles how I would expect an Alfa to handle - like a sports car, but not just for the rich and famous. The inside is designed like the outside - it's fantastic. It's a real driver's car and much more comfortable than my current 9-3, and not like sitting on a park bench like my wife's car, which is a BMW 3 Series.

If you are tempted, try it out - that's what I did!