27 Feb 06
More enjoyable again, apart from the lumpier ride that results from its lower-profile tyres and stiffer suspension, is the top Sportwagon, the 3.2 V6 Q4. Its four-wheel drive system gives a nominal rearward torque bias, enough to feel a flourish of the tail as you power out of a bend, and distributing the engine's 260bhp across all the wheels means there's no torque-steer or unseemly tugging at the steering. The V6 is a creamy, torquey thing, and although an all-new unit for the 159 - its block comes from GM - it feels and sounds entirely Alfa-ish. Not so good are the occasional thuds and clonks from the transmission, a problem which also afflicts the 2.2 JTS to a degree. Other available engines are, or will be, a 1.9-litre petrol and a pair of turbodiesels, of 1.9 or 2.4 litres. This last has five cylinders and 200bhp.
So, a viable rival for an Audi A4 Avant, a BMW 3-series Touring or a Saab 9-3 Sport Wagon (separate words in the Saab's case)? Undoubtedly. This latest Alfa Sportwagon isn't perfect, though. Rear-seat legroom is disappointing, and there are too many clicks in the rotary heater knobs' movement. One per increment would be ideal, four or five - it varies, so you still have to look at the display to see the result - are too many.
Neither does the Sportwagon have a BMW Touring-like, separately-opening rear window. 'It may come later,' says Alfa Romeo CEO Antonio Baravalle, who also promises a proper expernal boot latch, probably a tilting badge as used by Volkwsagen and Seat. At the moment, entry is via key fob or internal button.
A convincing estate car, then? Not quite, in the fully-functional sense, but the 159 Sportwagon is still a pretty desirable object. Prices will be £1000 above the same-engine, same-trim saloon, which makes a leather-trimmed 2.2 JTS Lusso £23,395, a 3.2 V6 Q4 Lusso £29,195. Baravalle has declared the UK to be the major growth area for Alfa. The Sportwagon is a good way to achieve that goal.
