Alfa's new engine revives old number
The 1750 TBi engine for the 159 enhances performance, reduces fuel use and recaptures the spirit of older AlfasAlfa Romeo has dropped the 2.2-litre JTS engine from the 159 range. In its place is a new powerplant, named the 1750 TBi.
1750, referring to the engine displacement, was originally applied by Alfa Romeo to its 1750 Berlina sedan from 1968. The original carburettor-fed engine also powered later landmark models including the 105 Body 1750 GT.
Euro 5-compliant, the new petrol engine is turbocharged and -- like the JTS -- direct-injected. According to Alfa Romeo, the 1750 TBi knocks over a second off the 159 JTS's acceleration time to 100km/h (now 7.7 seconds) and reduces fuel consumption by a litre per 100km in combined-cycle testing -- 8.1L/100km -- with a 30-gram improvement to 189g/km for CO2 emissions.
Peak power of 147kW compares favourably with the 136kW rating for the 2.2-litre engine and diesel-like torque of 320Nm is well ahead of the 230Nm produced by the older engine. Alfa Romeo reckons that the 1750 TBi -- smaller and lighter though it is -- delivers in-gear performance not unlike that of a 3.0-litre engine.
Two variants in the local 159 range will be powered by the engine: a standard-grade 159 and the upmarket 159 Ti. Prices are $49,990 for the former and $54,480 for the 159 Ti. Both prices are manufacturer's list prices, not including on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charges.
For the money, the 159 1750 TBi comes as standard with leather trim (including steering wheel/gear knob), cruise control, fog lights, electric windows/mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, auto-on/off headlights, remote central locking, reverse-parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, telematics system and voice-activated Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features extend to seven airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, stability control and a hill-holder.
The higher-spec 159 Ti 1750 TBi features lowered sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 R19 tyres, red Brembo brakes, a body kit, aluminium-finish exterior mirrors, black leather with contrasting red stitching, electrically-adjustable sports seats, red highlights for instruments and burnished aluminium decorative trim for the dashboard/drilled sports pedals/door sills.
Alfa Romeo already has stock of the new 159 variants in dealers.
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