Alfa Romeo 159 road test reports and car reviews

Alfa Romeo 159 Lusso. Diesel 2009

The digits 159 instantly recall the legendary Alfa single seat racer, which was probably the most successful racing car ever - so immediately I wondered how much, if any, DNA residue resided under the sleek and stylish exterior of this upmarket saloon. Well I'm pleased to be able to testify that this is a car with the virtues of yesteryear incorporated in its DNA with the added bonus for today's driver of all the bellissimo bells and whistles. On first acquaintance with this imposing and astonishingly good looking car - which came, of course, in bright red - superlatives are somewhat muted: the car managing everything expected of it in an efficient and understated manner. But then don't we expect that of every motorcar these days? Open it up and it's a box of delights. You're as cosseted as a caveman in a Saville Row suit. In fact the whole character of the car can be likened to a splendidly crafted Italian leather shoe - the sort that betrays class without a trace of crassness; as tasty as tagliatelli, perhaps, and as piquant as Parmesan. Just in case you think your reviewers head is swelling in self-admiration at his own boundless eloquence, rest assured that this intelligently designed car contains within its sleek profile, copious headroom for even the most capacious cranium. I'm not saying you could wear a guardsman's busby while driving but a bouffant beehive would emerge without any flatspots whatsoever. This is in contrast to so many modern designs where the 'too low' roofline tends to impress a centre parting on the driver irrespective of any retro fashion inclinations. Inside I pondered on the ergonomic efficiency combined with the aesthetic acumen of the Italian designers. Sumptuousness is at its best, with supremely comfortable leather seats, luxury carpets, dual climate zone - and if it doesn't leave you quite frothing with excitement, there is definitely a tang of cappuccino creaminess. Safety has, of course, been fully addressed with airbags aplenty - and the 5 star rating is testimony to this. For the driver, the only jarring note is the red display sitting centrally between speedo and rev counter, which strikes one on the nose (maybe only if you're Cyrano De Bergerac!). Otherwise an exemplary attention to detail is everywhere evident. One feels in the right place at the right time with everything right to hand. However, as my acquaintance grew, so did my attachment to the pleasures, which progressively impinge upon the consciousness of the driver. For instance, the steering seems, perhaps, a shade heavy at first but becomes reassuringly correct with 'spot on' feedback through the wheel and just the right amount of bite on turn-in. Clutch movement is not the usual processed experience and you actually have to 'engage' in the activity: one has to 'learn' a little bit in order to do it perfectly - and when the skill is mastered the rewards are satisfying and you realise you're actually a 'driver' again. Similarly the gear change itself might feel almost 'notchy' to Nissan Micra drivers - but this is an Alfa and it dawns on you that it's what changing gear is all about: a question of feel. To take up the theme, the feel good factor is something that emerges incrementally. There is no instant flash to hit you in the face - afterwards to be dissipated. Rather there is the beneficial feeling that getting to know this car will be an experience to be relished. With new and uprated wonderfully sporty, super torquey, smooth and economical (around 40 mpg overall) 170bhp (360Nm at just 1750rpm) 2.0litre diesel power under the bonnet and substantial tyres underfoot, all suggestions of fragile Italian thoroughbreds are banished. This is a car as solid as the Seven Hills of Rome and as fluid as the rippling river Tiber - and if you enjoy your driving you'd be unlikely to choose a 3 Series BMW over one of these. There just has to be essence of Fangio and Farina in this car. It banishes the bland, but not at the expense of dependability. It's a car to feel at home in under every driving condition - even in the notorious traffic jams, which are inflicted on us with monotonous regularity these days. It may be red, but despite its colour, you're never in a jam with an Alfa 159. and around £23,850 for the 'Lusso spec.' version is a reasonable price for it's place in the market. There are few cars on the road today where one can say 'hand on heart' that one really enjoys the experience behind the wheel. I confidently say that driving such a beautifully mannered car made me feel as well bred as a Royal Duke. This is a car for the cultured motorist who has no need to show off but a very real need for refinement and enjoyment. I leave you with this. Does it pass its SATS Test? (That is:- Special Alfa Test.). The answer - Si! Si!