The new Alfa 159 is a prestigious saloon that combines refined Italian styling with the sporty elegance typical of Alfa Romeo. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre, the new car has an elegant, sinuous line, which combines generous dimensions with the compactness typical of Alfa Romeo sportiness: the car is 4,660 millimetres long, 1,828 mm wide and 1,417 high, with a wheelbase of 2,700 millimetres.
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159
Starting with the strong, essential front, which is dominated by the large Alfa Romeo shield. The line of the entire car springs from here, combining a light stylistic "aggressiveness" with strikingly elegant forms. This impression is underlined by the lateral air intakes, the beautiful light clusters and the deep "V" of the bonnet which underlines the presence of a generous engine, the compact, tapered passenger compartment and the wings which represent the widest point of the body. The rear end with its horizontal design, speaks the same language as the front: from the curve of the rear window over the rear wheels to the wrapround light clusters, small spoiler and double chromed exhaust tail-pipe that increase the sporty impression. The profile of the Alfa 159 reminds us that the car's elegance is based on harmonious relations: on one hand the relation between the long bonnet and the compact passenger compartment gives the car prestige, while the ratio between the windows and the sides gives it a sporty personality, highlighted by the compactness of the cabin, an effect created primarily by the pillars (the front pillar set back and the "elbow" shaped rear pillar). The deep slash in the side also emphasises the car's sleekness. Like the external styling, the interior of the Alfa 159, designed by the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre, combines superb styling and a sporty personality. Starting with the excellent driving position, which is defined by precise ratios between the pedals, the seat, the steering wheel and the gearbox, evolved to provide maximum control and comfort. The interior is developed around the driver in the characteristic "cockpit" structure, which incorporates the classic three-spoke steering wheel, the two ribs of the lip, the instruments on the console and the gear lever, achieving continuity between the facia and the console. The uniformity of the stylistic language is also evident in the circular shape of the analogue dials, the air vents, and the buttons and knobs. Even the symbols and graphics conform to the same pattern, and the principle of immediate clarity and easy legibility. The front passenger seat differs for the uncluttered, enveloping space of the facia which links up with the instrument panel to enhance the sense of roominess and comfort. The supportive, sporty front and rear seats reiterate this idea, painstakingly made with top quality materials, paying great attention to the overstitching, and the traditional detail of the segments and piping. The interior of the new Alfa 159 embodies the balanced combination of elegance and sportiness that is the hallmark of all Alfa Romeo cars. It is underlined by essential, sober, clean lines and superb materials: quality fabrics, precious fine grain leather, aluminium that is cold to touch, and exquisite craftsmanship with the appeal of artisan handiwork.
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa 159 surrounds the driver and passengers with technologies that guarantee a high level of dynamic, acoustic and climatic comfort. The efficient soundproofing and the high torsional and flexural rigidity of the bodyshell create a muted, enveloping vibration-free interior ambience. That is not all. The new model also features a generous luggage compartment and numerous storage units, plus exclusive equipment to enhance well-being on board. This includes Cruise Control, rain, dusk, and front and rear parking sensors, a satellite navigator with maps (also with a "Birdview" display), voice controls and a built-in GSM hands-free telephone, automatic climate system with dual or tri-zone air distribution and temperature control, radio with CD (and MP3 file) player and a 10-disc CD-changer, a BOSE® Hi-fi Sound System with a central speaker on the facia for sharper acoustics, seats with electrical adjustment, a folding rear seat and pushbutton ignition control on the console.The Alfa 159 guarantees the extraordinary roadholding that is innate in all Alfa Romeo models. The merit goes to the new suspension (high double wishbones at the front and Multilink at the rear) and extremely precise steering (the most direct of the standard saloons, with a small turning circle). This prestigious new saloon also features numerous electronic systems that control the car's dynamic behaviour, including a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC), Anti Slip Regulation (ASR), Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA) which intervenes during emergency braking, ABS complete with EBD, and a Hill Holder to simplify hill starts. The front-wheel drive versions in the Alfa 159 range are joined by a version with Q4 permanent four-wheel drive, a system which guarantees excellent traction and enjoyable driving.
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa 159 4x4 system is permanent, with three differentials, and it splits drive constantly and dynamically over the 4 wheels, both when accelerating and on the release, maintaining the highest levels of active safety and sportiness. The Torsen C self-locking central differential manages the drive torque, splitting it 57% to the rear wheel and 43% to the front wheels, to produce a slight oversteer, particularly with a sporty driving style. The system also guarantees excellent traction in all grip conditions, by automatically checking slip.
