New Alfa 159 In The UK
Published: 15th February 2006
Alfa Romeo 159
Nine versions of the new Alfa 159, priced from £19,995 to £28,195 on-the-road, will become available here in the first quarter of 2006, seven of which will be available at launch, with a choice of five powerplants. Three new direct injection petrol engines - 1.9 litre 160bhp and 2.2 litre 185bhp 4-cylinder units, and a 3.2 litre 260bhp V6 available from March 2006 - combine the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) direct injection technology of Alfa Romeo with continuously variable valve timing, (both inlet and exhaust), for the first time.
With specific power outputs of between 81 and 85bhp/litre, and almost 90% of maximum torque available at just 2000rpm, all three new JTS units boast outstanding performance, yet offer significant fuel savings and readily comply with stringent Euro 4 exhaust emission regulations.
The two diesel engine options which complete the launch range exemplify the company’s on-going pre-eminence in the field of diesel technology: a 1.9 litre 16 valve 150bhp 4-cylinder unit, and a 2.4 litre 20 valve 200bhp 5-cylinder powerplant, both of which feature the company’s renowned JTD MultiJet common rail direct injection systems.
Both units also feature variable geometry turbocharging, and incorporate a ‘for life’, maintenance-free particulate trap (DPF) in anticipation of Euro 5 emissions regulations. Alfa Romeo’s widely acclaimed twin overhead camshaft 1.9 JTDM 16v unit now combines a power delivery of 150bhp with a remarkable 236lb.ft of torque - a figure comparable to that generated by the company’s four overhead camshaft, 24 valve, all-aluminium 3.2 litre JTS V6.
All five engines are mated to smooth, precise 6-speed manual gearboxes. Six-speed automatic transmissions will become available on 1.9 and 2.4 JTDM and 3.2 V6 JTS versions of the new Alfa 159 later in 2006.
3.2 JTS engined versions of the new Alfa 159 are equipped, as standard,
with Alfa Romeo’s state-of-the-art Q4 permanent four-wheel
drive system. Q4 employs three differentials, with a self-locking
Torsen C unit at the centre of the system which divides drive torque
by a ratio of 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front in normal
driving conditions. Torque is split between front and rear axles
and constantly modulated by the central Torsen differential on the
basis of available grip, with a bias
towards the rear axle promoting handling characteristics appropriate
to an Alfa Romeo sports saloon.
The suspension of the new Alfa 159 combines revisions to the proven high double wishbone set-up of the outgoing Alfa 156 with a new, sophisticated multilink rear configuration. The new system is designed to promote smooth, accurate steering responses, exceptional stability and controllability - even when close to adhesion limits - and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions.
The powerful braking system of the Alfa 159 comprises 305mm ventilated front discs, and 278mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 3.2 JTS petrol and 2.4 JTDM turbodiesel engines feature larger, 330mm ventilated discs and Brembo four piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, with 292mm ventilated discs at the rear, for even greater, fade-free stopping power.
In the best Alfa Romeo tradition, the Alfa 159 offers direct, lively and responsive speed-sensitive power assisted steering, with a rack requiring just 2.3 turns lock-to-lock; the most direct steering in its class.
Alfa Romeo 159
Our Alfa Romeo 159 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 159 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £18,945 - £29,890
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 16
We have road tested the Alfa Romeo 159, to read our in-depth car review:
Alfa Romeo 159 Review - Sep 2006
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
