Request for owner feedback on the 159

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

Hi all,

I am considering a 159 to replace my Renaultsport Clio 182.
I am hoping some current owners could provide their opinion on these cars.
Specifically, I am looking for feedback on the V6, manual.  However info on the other engine and transmission options would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Victor Lee]

From basic information found on the internet and magazines:

                      RENAULTSPORT CLIO 182               ALFA 159 3.2 (manual)
Engine           16-valve, 4-cylinder                               24-valve, 6 cylinder
Capacity        1998cc                                                    3195cc
Max Output   131kw @ 6,500rpm                               191kw @ 6,200rpm
Max Torque   200Nm @ 5,400rpm                              322Nm @ 4,500rpm
Gearbox         5-speed                                                   6-speed
Drive               Front                                                      All Wheel Drive
0-100kph:       7.1 seconds                                            7.0 seconds
Top speed       222kph                                                   240kph
Brakes Front   280mm                                                   330mm
Brakes Rear    238mm                                                   292mm
Wheels           16-inch Alloys                                        18-inch Alloys
Tyres             205/45 R16                                              235/45 R18
Tare Mass     1009 kg                                                     1680 kg
Length (mm)  3812                                                         4660
Width (mm)   1632                                                         1828
Height (mm)   1417                                                        1422
City                  9.0 L/100km                                          16.9 L/100km           
Highway          6.8 L/100km                                            8.4 L/100km
Combined        8.1 L/100km                                          11.5 L/100lm

From this, I don't think you can compare the two cars.  One is a hatch and other mid size 4 door sedan. 

Good choice of car though...we've got one!   

[magnum]

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12529-2101920,00.html

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

Thanks very much guys.
The comments at the web link seem generally very positive.
The spec comparison was useful.  My goal is to replace the Clio with a car featuring similar performance and balanced handling, with good looks and a nice interior.  A track session in the BMW 3 series, proved the brilliance of its engine/chassis package.  However, I find it pig-ugly with a boring interior and want something that stands out from the pack.
I hear great things about the 159 diesel.  It may represent the better balance of features versus cost.  I just need to try it to see if it sounds like a truck.  Time for some test drives.

[Victor Lee]

Marco,

Now is a good time to buy an Alfa!  There may be some ex-Grand Prix support vehicles at the dealerships.  I understand they represent good value for money (you may be lucky and find one that sat on the trackside and didn't do many kilometres!) and most of them come with the europlate licence plates: V then AR then the 3 digits.

As standard, the "standard" 159s come better equipped then the equivalent "standard" BMW's. 

And as you have mentioned, the front styling of the 159s is superb vs "pig ugly"

Good luck in your test drives, and keep us posted what you get!

Victor

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

Hi Victor,

I went down to Lance Dixon today and said "yes" to an ex-GP V6 Ti, in Red.
Disregarding the inevitable questions concerning my masculinity, I actually went for the auto.
Though I have always firmly been in the "its manual or its not really driving" camp, I was surprised by how well it drove in tiptronic mode.  It also allows me to give my better half the opportunity to sample the delights associated with an (occasional) drive.
My 105 is there for whenever the need arises to exercise my left foot.

I was really impressed with the 2.4 JTD, but your comments at the club night were spot on; 4,500 rpm isn't enough.  What a punchy engine.  However, the smoothness and linear power delivery (& exhaust note) of the V6 won me over.

I will be picking it up around the 20th of this month.

Thanks again for your help.

Now, I just need to find a buyer for my 2004 Renaultsport Clio 182.

Cheers,

Marco.

[Victor Lee]

Hi Marco,

WELL DONE and CONGRATULATIONS!   

I am sure you'll be happy with your car.  We are very happy with our 159!  Ahh!  The noise!  It actually sounds better from OUTSIDE of the car!!

You'll also like the extrra gadgets that comes in the 3.2!  Hope you don't have a Samsung mobile as the Alfa bluetooth doesn't link with it as seamlessly as a Nokia phone does.

I haven't activated the Alfa's SMS Text-To-Speech facility yet, so that's another gadget to play with!

Make sure your music on your memory stick (that plugs into the USB port in the glovebox) is in MP3 format and not Apple iPod format.  This is understandable as Alfa has adopted the Microsoft system so therefore won't play Apple formatted songs.

Look forward to seeing it at the next Club night or perhaps at the Club's Bocce night on the 19th if you pick it up earlier!

Congrats again.

Victor

[Victor Lee]

Well?  Have you got it yet?   

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

Oh yeah!! Picked it up yesterday morning.  I only managed a short (nervous) drive to the office and then back home again.  Very, very nice.  It really is a beautiful car.
Initial impressions:
Great exhaust note.
The engine is very smooth and pulls nicely.
The dash looks amazing at night.
Absolutely terrible storage compartments.
Lots of electronic gizmos (fingers crossed they got this right).

I am looking forward to a drive through the Yarra Valley this weekend.

Cheers,

Marco.

[Victor Lee]

Enjoy it! 

I know we do!

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

So, its been a month.
- Averaging 19l/100km (ouch). I think I need lighter shoes.
- The engine sounds great and is silky smooth.
- You feel the considerable weight of the car under braking, though it pulls-up well enough.
- 4WD keeps the car planted in corners
- Interior is still pretty special
- Blue&Me voice recognition works exceptionally well.
- Now the fuel tank has been replaced, I can actually add fuel.

[Davidm1600]

Hi Marco and Victor,  Hey really good to know that you think the 159 is superb, I had been wondering a little if this might be true.  I bought a 2003 156 JTS sportwagon with 89K on the clock from a dealer in Sydney late last year for $20K and love it.  Though thinking ahead I suspect its logical successor will be a 159 sportwagon. Now while I know they made a 156 sportwagon GTA does anyone know if you can get a V6 159 sportwagon, since I reckon that would be sensational. I love the looks of my 156 but the 159 is just superb. Might have to wait a little before I can justify the next upgrade, especially to her in doors.  Mind you she is a BMW driver, enough said. 

Good to see you are still around in the club Victor.  Its been a few years now since we have been in touch.  Was talking to Barry Edmunds the other day as he was after some details on the old TI Super that raced for a number of years here in Tassie.  Something to do with the big celebrations planned for 2010.  Cheers David

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

Hi David,

Alfa does a 159 V6 Q4 Sportswagon (http://www.alfaromeo.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=18568).
Along with the 156 Sportswagon, the best looking wagons on the road.
I would not call the 159 perfect, but what cars are?
However, they look great, have all the features you could want and absolutely possess the characteristics that have always made Alfas different (in a good way).
The V6 sounds great from the driver's seat and even better from outside (thanks for the demonstration Victor).
The only negatives with the V6 are;
- Horrible fuel economy around town (approx 19l/100kms)
- Its heavy and with the performance sapping 4WD, should be quicker than 7secs for 0-100kms.
- The rain sensing wipers are possessed by the Anti-logic Devil.

None of the above, really detract from the ownership experience.  Mind you, I may have a different opinion when the time comes to replace 4x 19" Pirelli Pzero Nero tyres at approximately $2,600 for the set.

Cheers,

Marco.

[Davidm1600]

Hi Marco

Many thanks for the feedback on the 159, and especially your advice re the availability of a V6 sportwagon but also a realistic appraisal of some of the costs of ownership.  Ouch $2600 for new tyres, that is not cheap.

Likewise 19l/100km around the city.  That is high, especially in comparison to the JTS engine.  However, I guess you do get that great engine note (love the sound of the V6) and obviously a little more power !!  I assume when touring it fuel consumption does improve ??  The 159 wagon I assume would be a larger car than the 156, it looks it from photos, I havn't seen a 159 in the metal yet. I am not sure if they have sold any here yet.  The 2.2 JTS wagon might be a good compromise in terms of economy. 

Yes they certainly do appear to be comprehensively appointed.  I wonder how they will fare with time re depreciation, as the early 156s seem to be rapidly falling in price, as are 166s and pre 2001 GTV6s. 

I loved your description of the rain sensing wipers.  Cheers David

[Joe Garra]

I've owned a 156 wagon, and now have a 159 wagon. It is a bit bigger. The pram goes into the boot much easier now. We've got the 2.2 manual and it is very good, better than the 156 selespeed. Although my wife says she misses the selespeed in stop-start traffic.