Destined to become the new benchmark for sporting saloons, the latest creation from Alfa Romeo has an important mission: to replace a successful car (the 156) of which over 680 thousand units were produced. In other words, a model at the very top of the category, which we preview below.

The undoubted star of the Geneva International Motor Show, today sees the launch of the Alfa 159, destined to replace the old Alfa 156. The fruit of Alfa’s long years of experience in the field of prestige sporting saloons, the Alfa 159 marks the birth of a new generation of cars. In particular, the ‘Alfa 159’ project uses innovative design methods, and an international team has managed (without stooping to compromise) to combine performance with hitherto seemingly irreconcilable goals – the utmost driving pleasure, high performance and distinctive style – with the very best performance in terms of safety, comfort and sturdiness. In other words, it leads the way among sporting saloons, with qualities stemming from a project that uses the most refined technologies: from the laser welding on the bodyshell to the wishbone suspension set-up, from the comprehensive electronic control systems to the Q4 four-wheel drive.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 159 has an aggressive, instantly recognisable style. The front offers a modern reinterpretation of the characteristic three-element air intake formed by the vertical ‘shield’ and the two horizontal ‘whiskers’, into which small round lights are fitted. The imposing fenders and large-diameter wheels emphasise the car’s sporting temperament, while the groove that slices along at the level of the handles adds a dynamic look to the side. The car’s generous length and long wheel base have enabled the stylists to create a large, spacious passenger cabin more typical of a large saloon, while in terms of comfort, the on-board finish and equipment are those of a true flagship. And all this is achieved without sacrificing the quintessential qualities of any Alfa Romeo: outstanding road-holding and braking, even in the most extreme conditions, elegant solutions in terms of active safety and driving pleasure, and above all thrilling, cutting-edge engines.
The 159 remains true to this great Alfa tradition by offering three JTS direct injection petrol engines and three second-generation common-rail turbodiesels. The three petrol units use the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) combustion system of direct injection that delivers better engine performance, while the three diesel engines ensure excellent power and torque values in all driving conditions, combined with low fuel consumption.
Alfa’s legendary ‘cuore sportivo’ is best expressed by the 6-cylinder V 3.2-litre petrol engine that can deliver up to 260 bhp, a thrilling, elastic and smooth engine, while at the top of the diesel range there is the 2.4 JTDM, a 5-cylinder in-line, 20-valve unit that can deliver 200 bhp and a torque of 400 Nm at only 2000 rpm.

The 159 proves it is a genuine Alfa Romeo above all in terms of road-holding and safety. The feeling of total control that one feels at the wheel is provided by the excellent torsional strength of the bodyshell and the technical specifications of the suspension, with a high wishbone set-up at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. In addition, the Alfa 159 is fitted with the most innovative safety systems available, including VDC, which ensures total control of the car in all conditions; MSR, which prevents the wheels from blocking when shifting down gear on road surfaces with poor grip; ASR anti-slip system; and ABS with EBD and HBA to increase effectiveness and control of the car.
But that’s not all: Alfa’s new saloon is also available with Q4 permanent four-wheel drive.

The design and features of the exterior are typical of an Alfa Romeo saloon, but also in terms of on-board comfort and well-being, the 159 has nothing to fear from the competition and offers the very best currently available on the market. The new saloon surrounds both driver and passengers with technology that offers the greatest possible dynamic, acoustic and climatic comfort. The result is a plush, welcoming interior, vibration-free thanks to the exquisite sound-proofing on the car and the high torsional and flexional strength of the body. In addition, for the new model, the ideal driving position was determined first (ratios between the distances between pedals, seat, steering wheel and gear lever) and around this position an environment was created that is particularly innovative for Alfa Romeo.

Indeed, thanks to the choices made in terms of comfort, greater harmony between spaces, and attention to detail, when you get into the car, you immediately notice that in terms of quality it is a world apart. Not to mention that the Alfa 159 also offers an impressive, exclusive range of equipment to increase your travelling comfort.
When you turn on the engine, that feeling of well-being doesn’t vanish but, if anything, is magnified. Compared to the 156, the acoustic comfort on the Alfa 159 has been notably improved by the considerable torsional strength of the body, which was also designed to avoid squeaking, and by improvements to the car’s sound-proofing, such as the passenger cabin carpet with a thick layer of sound-absorbing foam, and thicker glass on the front door windows.
Lastly, spaciousness, which on the 159 is what you would expect to find on a genuine family saloon: its generous exterior has enabled the interior spaces to be ideally distributed. The distance between the front passengers, for example, has been increased by 30 millimetres, while that between the rear passengers has been increased by about 15 mm.