22 Feb 06
Despite the GM tie-up, the 159 has remained that rarest of things: a car which shares very few of its components with a model from any other brand. A shared platform with the next Saab 9-5 had been on the cards, but with that project long shelved, the 159's underpinnings remain exclusive to Alfa, at least for the moment.
There's considerable commonality with the Brera and new Spyder, understandably, but that's all within the family, and now that Alfa is grouped - within what remains of the Fiat empire - in with Maserati, at least its incestuous activities should remain relatively high-class.
In an age when a Toyota is built alongside the same car for Peugeot and Citroen, Mercedes donates its engines and more to its American counterparts at Chrysler-Dodge, GM gives Saab a near-identical Cadillac sister model to build, and Fiat's own mass-market Punto shares its platform with the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, this is highly unusual.
And the 159 feels unique, too. Whereas the 147 is far too close to the lumpen Fiat Stilo for comfort, this car has all the spirit you could dare to hope for, even when fitted with the lowest-powered engines. All are quick off the mark, flexible and strong mid-range, and relaxed for high-speed cruising - and, best of all, even the diesels make the appropriate noises for a proper sports saloon. The 2.2 JTS is the most inspiring drive, but neither the 1.9 JTD nor even 1.9 JTS would leave you feeling short-changed. The 2.4 JTD's a blast, too - as well as being a little friendlier in terms of fuel bills and company car tax.
Not that the engines are the be-all and end-all of the 159, really: its strength is in its driving dynamics, rather than out-and-out power. With light but direct, accurate and - oh joy! - communicative steering, an all-new suspension system that draws an excellent balance between sharp responses and ride comfort, plus unobtrusive electronic safety systems, the front-wheel drive cars manage to be predictable and confidence-inspiring without losing any of their edge or potential to excite.
