New diesel mill for Alfa 159

Alfa Romeo's 159 offers some worthwhile improvements for 2009, but the company claims that it's all too hard to punctuate those changes with a facelift.

"Normally these changes would be called a facelift, but as the 159 is such a stunning car that has been acclaimed for its beautiful design, there are no styling changes," says Edward Butler, General Manager of Alfa Romeo in Australia.

The technical changes to which Butler refers include the introduction of a revised diesel engine for the 159 2.4 JTD variant and a host of tweaks across the range.

Developing 154kW of power and 400Nm of torque, the new (JTDm) five-cylinder powerplant is 7kW stronger than the previous model, but Alfa Romeo claims that the engine has leapt forward in its driving characteristics, mustering better response from lower revs. Fuel consumption for the diesel 159 is 6.8L/100km, in accordance with combined-cycle testing.

When coupled to the optional six-speed automatic transmission, the diesel engine's upgraded management software provides faster downshifts and smoother gear selection. With the introduction of the new model year range, buyers can opt for the Ti package combined with the diesel for the first time.

All 159 variants offer enhanced ride characteristics and reduced NVH, according to Alfa Romeo's local distributor, Ateco Automotive. Without the visual styling cues to identify the new model year range, the upgraded 159 can be picked by its revised interior, which features increased headroom and rear-seat legroom, plus new instrumentation, revised switchgear for the HVAC system, a computer-controlled engine-start button and a more accommodating headlining in different fabrics.

Alfa designers have re-worked the badge on the rear garnish to double as a boot/hatch release for the 159 sedan and Sportwagon, respectively. With the modifications to the rear seating in both body styles, the 159 offers more rear-seat legroom and longer loading (in the case of the Sportwagon).

If there is one exterior detail that distinguishes the upgraded 159 from its predecessor, it's the bee-sting radio aerial. 159 variants that aren't equipped with the optional 'Ti' pack are also specified with two new alloy wheel designs.

"With the Ti package proving such a success with our customers, the vast majority of 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 sedans and Sportwagons arriving in showrooms will be the Ti variant," says Butler.

Ateco will price the diesel Ti variants at $59,990 with manual transmission or $62,990 with the automatic. Powered by the 3.2-litre V6, the 159 Ti is priced at $76,990 for the six-speed manual variant or $79,990 for the automatic. Even the 159 Sportwagon gets the Ti treatment, with the diesel/auto combination costing $65,240 and the V6/auto model reaching $82,990. All 159 models are being sold at prices inclusive of on-road costs for a limited time.