italiaspeed.com - Alfa Romeo

Prospective Italian customers were able to start ordering the new Alfa Romeo 159 from yesterday, after the pricing structure was unveiled.

The Alfa 159 has been a long time coming, but finally the order book is open. First presented to the world at the Geneva Salon back in March, the new sedan - which replaces the highly successful Alfa 156 - is the cornerstone of Alfa CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell's strategy to turn the fortunes of the 'sporty' Fiat brand around. A robust, comfortable, sporty saloon, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Alfa 159 is set to turn heads, and most importantly provide genuine competition for its Germanic rivals, including BMW's segment-leading 3-series range. Alfa Romeo will back everything up with a 3 year (or 120,000km) service plan.

The Alfa 159 will boast six engine options (all of which meet 'Euro 4' emission standards), two finish levels (Progressive and Distinctive), nine external body colours and five inner colours (black, gray tone on tone, tone on tone beige, black and beige and black and gray), whilst seats are available in either woven floccato, Alfatex, leather (8 colours) or Frau leather.

'Progression' models

All Alfa 159's in 'Progression' specification come standard with a complete safety package, including full-size driver and front passenger airbags, driver knee airbag, front occupant side airbags and full-size window airbags all round for front and rear protection (seven airbags in total). Further active safety items include standard ISOFIX child seat attachment compatibility, an early crash sensor and a fire prevention system, whilst passive safety is supported by standard VDC vehicle dynamic control with Hill Holder, including ABS, ASR, EBD and Brake Assistant.

Inside, the 159 is equipped with an automatic Bi-zone climate control system, an eight-speaker car stereo with CD reader, and a starter push-button on the dashboard. Furthermore, all 159’s come with an electronic card ignition key, whilst all Diesels have environmentally friendly DPF anti-particulate filters.

16-inch light alloy wheels are fitted as standard to the 1.9 JTDM and 2.2 JTS ‘Progression’ models, whilst the 2.4 JTDM and 3.2 V6 JTS equipped cars come standard with 17-inch rims. Naturally, a range of alloy wheels, ranging in size from 16- to 18- inch, are optionally available for all models.

'Distinctive' models

To this rich standard equipment list, the 'Distinctive' version will add - in the area of the comfort; steering wheel command for radio / telephone and Cruise Control, in the field of safety; bi-Xenon headlights (optional on ‘Progression’ models), electronically adjustable rear view mirror, and rain sensors. Finally, the Alfa 159 'Distinctive' has eye-catching 17-inch wheels fitted as standard on all engines, whilst the interior features aluminium-finished trims and seats in Alfatex.

Options

On top of the standard features, an overwhelming list of options allow for a fully personalised package. These include a headlight washing system (standard on ‘Distinctive’ models), a passenger knee air-bag (available at the end of 2005) and a manual rear sunblind.

The Alfa Romeo 159 - replacement for the Alfa 156 - has been a long time coming, but finally the Italian order book is open