Alfa Romeo has announced two new additions to the Alfa Romeo 159 engine range, which will also find their way into the Alfa Brera and Spider later in 2009. New trim options for the 159 have also been revealed.
The first new powerplant is a 16-valve, turbocharged 1.7-litre petrol, which features variable valve timing and direct injection, developing 200bhp and 236lb ft of torque. The new 1750 TBi, which takes its name from the Alfa 1750 Berlina, propels the 159 to 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.
Joining the petrol motor is a new common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, the JTDM, which produces 170bhp and 265lb ft of torque to give the derv 159 a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.
Are these new Alfa Romeo engines economical?
The new petrol motor produces CO2 emissions of 189g/km (lowering the 159’s UK company car benefit-in-kind tax by six bands in comparison with the old 2.2-litre JTS engine) with the diesel pumping out 142g/km. The petrol unit also benefits from an increased service interval mileage of 21,000 miles.
What about the new trims on the 159?
Five trim levels, two of them new, are now available as part of a shaken-up Alfa Romeo range structure. Joining the existing Turismo, Lusso and TI options are Turismo Sport and Elegante: the former includes 17in alloys, sports seat cloth, a Blue7Me system, a leather steering wheel and sports dials. Elegante trim brings rear parking sensors, a visibility pack and an Alfatex interior.
What does all of this cost?
Prices for the new-engined 159s start at £21,800 for the saloon and £22,900 for the Sportwagon. In Turismo Sport trim these prices rise to £22,600 and £23,700, while Elegante trim will set you back £22,750 and £23,850 for the saloon and Sportwagon respectively.
CAR’s view? These new engines just make the 159 even more of an anti-3-series, and we applaud that. In the longer run, you can expect Fiat’s new Multiair tech to make the group’s engines even cleaner. Busy times in Turin…