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What is it?

It’s Alfa’s new high-tech, down-sized petrol engine, which spearheads a challenge to get the 159 back on track as a genuine mid-sized sports saloon.

There has also been plenty of work done to lift the 159 from its dynamic mediocrity into the sort of machine that more fulfils the adventure promised by its looks.

The engine has had the legendary twin-spark head removed altogether in favour of modern direct-injection, while around 70kg has been stripped out ...Read the full article

So it's not as good as the 'front runners', apparently. Whilst I haven't been in a 159 yet I've been in many of it's competitors and the 159 kicks ass in the beauty department. The Germans are becoming a bit bland and with VW/Audi/Seat etc pretty much having identical engines (and am I the only one who thinks the latest Fiesta looks like a Citroen?), individual character is becoming somewhat of a rarity.

Moans of the 159's weight maybe justified against the likes of BMW but it's 0-62 time of 7.7 for the 1750 is the same as the 2.0T Passat, as is its mpg.

What I'm trying to say is Alfa get a rough ride in the British press. Most of the time it's deserved but I think the 159 is the exception to the rule. I want one!

I'm impressed; 147mph from a 1750tb engine in a hefty D-segment car? That's gotta be some kind of record..

Should I buy one?

Yes if you need a pair of glasses and prefer your car in the repair shop than actually using it. :-)

Topkat:

Yes if you need a pair of glasses

 "It was behind the pace to start with"

Dynamically yes , but in style terms nothing comes close. 

Topkat:

Should I buy one?

No, I don`t think you should, stick with your 1993 Corsa with the big alloys.

Topkat:

if you need a pair of glasses and prefer your car in the repair shop than actually using it. :-)

More reliable than VWs andf that's what the Germans say!

 Methinks our septic friend Topkat is trying to provoke a response...

I keep seeing a 159 estate with fat multi-spoke alloys on my way to work.. If there's a better-looking estate out there I've yet to see it. 

michael knight:

Methinks our septic friend Topkat is trying to provoke a response...

Richard H:

More reliable than VWs andf that's what the Germans say!

So with the Passat CC Volkswagen has the temperamental good looker and Alfa is the sensible choice. Am I the only one who has taken to the Passat CC in a big way or is there anyone else out there who thinks it's even better looking than the 159?

tannedbaldhead:

Am I the only one who has taken to the Passat CC in a big way or is there anyone else out there who thinks it's even better looking than the 159?

The CC is a good -looking beast I agree. Germans can do emotion - shock horror! It looks weird on the VW website though - all oversized wheels and tippy-toed stance.