Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon Review

The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon is one of the most stylish estates on the market. But is that a reason to buy it? For many motorists the answer is 'yes'. People, after all, often choose vehicles because they want to be perceived as stylish and fashionable. They want their friends to say 'wow', look at him in his fancy Italian plaything. These folk might love a two-door convertible – but sooner or later most people get stuck with a pile of kids and need something practical. As such, the beautifully crafted 159 Sportwagon ticks the boxes. Its 445-litre boot swallows a reasonable pile of child related paraphernalia – but being an Alfa Romeo it also earns points in the ever-popular game of pub-based bragging.

But there is more.

The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon is a nice car to drive. Its handling is pin-sharp, the interior looks fantastic, and it has numerous gadgets. Even the £24,765 base-model has: Bluetooth, an electronic stability programme, and cruise control. The top- of-the-range £27,900 version has leather upholstery and parking sensors too. This load- lugger also has pleasing performance to boost its owner's image. The 1.8-litre 200bhp petrol variants, for starters, rocket to 62mph in only 7.9 seconds. Alternatively, if you earn respect by being an eco-warrior, 2.0-litre 136bhp trims average a planet-pleasing 54.3mpg. So, if you need an estate that impresses your friends - try the Alfa Romeo 159.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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