March 2006
Debut at March 2006 Geneva Motor Show
Same length as saloon (4,660mm). In UK from late Spring 2006. Two trim levels with wide range of exterior and interior colours. Three new JTS engines with continuously variable valve timing, (260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, 185 bhp 2.2 and 160 bhp 1.9); and two MultiJet turbodiesel engines (200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v and 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v). All of these are fitted with new six-speed manual gearboxes, and some versions will also offer automatic transmission.
June 2007
159 Turismo Internazionale launched
Has a unique body kit, lowered sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers all-round, plus chrome effect door mirrors and exhaust. Inside, electrically adjustable and heated leather front sports seats along with new sports dials, aluminium sports pedals, kick plates and trim inserts.
A leather-clad sports steering wheel and gear knob are also included in the sporty specification list. Choice of three engines. 2.2 JTS and 3.2 JTS V6 and 2.4 JTDM diesel plus a choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes. In addition, Alfa Romeo’s Q4 4WD system, standard equipment on the 3.2 JTS V6, can also be specified on the diesel version. Only three body colours – Alfa Red, Stromboli Grey and Carbonio black.
2.2 JTS TI £24,500
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI £30,300
3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI QTRONIC £31,750
2.4 JTDM TI £26,500
2.4 JTDM TI QTRONIC £27,950
2.4 JTDM Q4 TI £28,500
August 2009
New engines and Trims announced
1750i TBi
Alfa Romeo’s new, lightweight, variable valve timing, direct injection turbocharged engine develops an impressive 200 bhp along with 320 Nm of torque to bring new levels of drivability to the Alfa 159 range. The new 16-valve, twin overhead camshaft 1742 cc petrol unit brings keen fuel efficiency to Alfa 159 Saloon and Sportwagon versions, along with lower CO2 emissions, down to 189 g/km.
From a standstill, the 1750 TBi Alfa 159 Saloon can reach the 0 - 62 mph benchmark in 7.7 seconds, before topping out at 147 mph. However it is the flexibility of the in-gear acceleration that sets the engine apart from its competitors; with 25 - 62 mph in fifth gear achievable in 11.5 seconds and 37 – 62 mph in sixth gear reached in just 8.9 seconds – this translates, in real world driving, to a more sporting driver experience consistent with a ‘flat’ torque curve and a constant delivery of power - perfect for confident overtaking and long distance driving. In addition, the 1750 TBi version includes a mileage extension to 21,000 miles between routine maintenance intervals.
2.0 JTDM
Alfa’s new 2.0 JTDM powerplant develops 170 bhp available at just 4,000 rpm, and its advanced multijet technology means that this new 2.0 JTDM unit delivers its maximum torque of 360 Nm between just 1750 rpm and 2500 rpm. The new 2.0 JTDM powered Alfa 159 covers the 0 – 62 mph sprint in just 8.8 seconds - less than one second off the pace of the more powerful 2.4 JTDM engine, on its way to a top speed of 136 mph. CO2 emissions have been reduced to just 142 g/km.
To coincide with the launch of these new engines, Alfa Romeo has introduced a new range structure which now features five trim levels - Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI.First of the two new trim levels, Turismo Sport offers drivers sporty upgrades including 17” sport alloy wheels, Blue&Me, sports seat cloth, sports leather steering wheel with remote audio controls and gear knob, and sports dials.The new Elegante trim adds additional style to the already highly specified Turismo equipment, including rear parking sensors, visibility pack and luxury Alfatex interior. Prices from £22,900 for 200PS 1750 Turismo and same £22,900 for 170PS 2.0JTDM Turismo.