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Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi

[ Saturday, May 8th, 2010 | by automotiveroom | under Alfa Romeo, CAR, New Cars ]

2009 Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBI Front Side 590x422 Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi

The Alfa Romeo 159 is certainly no exception. Starting from April 2009, the new 159 will be available with a brand new engine: a 1750 cc turbocharged petrol engine that conforms to Euro 5 standards and develops 200 HP between 4,750 and 5,500 rpm with 320 Nm of torque at only 1,400 rpm.

In six-speed manual form it has become a very flexible mid-sizer. The new cylinder head, with seven-hole, direct-fuel injection and much-improved scavenging, has 70 per cent more torque at 1500rpm than the old engine did and that makes it nearly stall proof.

Much like Audi’s turbo petrol power plants, Alfa seems to have gone out of its way to give the engine a diesel-esque feel at low rpm while trying to maintain the flinging feel of a petrol engine up high. While tuning the turbo helps, it’s also got variable inlet and exhaust timing and the frictional losses from its new roller rocker arms have reduced frictional losses at 2000rpm by 65 per cent over the twin-spark.

1750 TBI unit has turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing between the technical arsenal. In this 159 Sportwagon, this unit produces only 197bhp from 1742cc. More tellingly, it also musters only 236 pounds ft from 1400rpm. That was enough, Alfa’s claim, to take the cart 159 from 0-62mph in 7.9sec, and the maximum 146mph. Moreover, CO2 emissions of 194g/km mean 1750 TBI are some bands at lower company car tax than the old 2.2 JTS petrol model. And you only need service every 21,000 miles.

alfa romeo 159 1750 tbi 2010 800x600 wallpaper 01 Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi

Hard-driving purists would argue that front wheel drive can never be a match for rear drive, but in the real world on public roads this front-drive 159 would please even the most hardcore enthusiast. Its steering is unusually quick and direct, especially for a 4-door saloon, while its grip is terrifically tenacious. And this isn’t just down to grippy tyres; it’s due to a torsionally rigid and well-balanced chassis coupled with finely tuned suspension that limits body roll while also providing a supple ride over all but the very worst of road surfaces.

With the full five EuroNCAP stars for occupant protection (along with 4 stars for child occupant protection) the 159 acquits itself well. It’s equipped as standard with ABS combined with Electronic Brake Distribution and Hydraulic Brake Assistance while Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is augmented by ASR which limits wheelspin during acceleration, and MSR to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears. There’s also a Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts as well as eight airbags, ISOFIX child seat mountings, a fire protection system and central locking with alarm and immobiliser.