Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDm Lusso review

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Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso Road Test

Test date 19 April 2006 Price as tested £22,750

For Great looks, economy, feel, soul

Against Engine needs working hard, mediocre rear room

With the 159, Alfa Romeo’s mission is clear: to create a new sporting saloon embodying the verve and style expected of this famous Italian company. This time, however, it must be backed with cast-iron quality, real depth of ability and a dealer network that can deliver on the promise of the badge.

More than an afternoon’s work then. Although the 156 was – still is – a wonderful-looking car and fun to drive, it was never as thoroughly developed as the best in this class.

More seriously, the 156’s occasional unreliability was usually compounded by sometimes desperate dealer and parts back-up. So it’s fair to say that the 159 is a car that Alfa can’t afford to get wrong.

Despite the magnitude of this task, the moment you see the 159 for the first time it’s hard not to feel a surge of optimism. Considering Alfa’s back catalogue, this shouldn’t come as a great surprise, but in an era when most manufacturers seem to employ shock tactics in place of attractive design, the 159’s simple, elegant lines are very seductive.