As the old expression goes, good looks don't last forever. Such is the fate of the Alfa Romeo 159 series. First introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in its production form in 2005 as the replacement for the 156 series, the 159 series is now, as of late 2011, being discontinued to make room for the new Giulia which will be launched in early 2013. However, fret not, because the Alfa Romeo 159 will continue to be available new from the existing stock. Available in both a four-door sedan and the five-door wagon being reviewed here, the Alfa Romeo 159 stepped up to the challenge of filling its predecessor's shoes and making a name for itself. In 2006 the 159 received third place in the European Car of the Year awards and won an Auto Bild Design award. This was also the year that Alfa Romeo added the SW Wagon to the 159 series.
With the sleek curves and aerodynamics of a coupe combined with the spacious and comfortable interior of an SUV the SW Wagon brings everything to the table and more. Highlighting both practicality and performance the 159 SW is the epitome of comfort and safety. The rear storage and loading compartment is specifically designed to ensure the protection of the items you are trying to transport while promoting the sporty personality of the vehicle. The interior is everything one would come to expect from the name Alfa Romeo. From the cozy wrap-around seats to the stylish dashboard which has its analogue instruments centered around the driver allowing for more ergonomic controls, the 159 truly expresses the Alfa Romeo spirit. The Blue&Me infotainment platform is the latest in in-car communication safety systems. Compatible with most mobile phones with Bluetooth connectivity capability, this system makes it as simple as possible to utilize your portable technology in a completely hands-free way, leaving your hands to enjoy the stable handling of the 159 SW Wagon. The fantastic RadioNav system will become your new best friend when taking a trip in your new 159 SW Wagon. With its large screen and simple to use features, the NAV, along with the trip computer, will help you as much as possible to create a trouble-free trip. Last but not least, the Alfa Romeo 159 SW Wagon comes with several engine choices, once again allowing you to personalize the vehicle as much as possible, each of which affect the SMRP along with the MPG. The 159 SW Wagon has an engine option for all drivers. Options range from the 136 kilowatt 2.2 liter JTS petrol 6-speed manual (starting price of $52,990) engine, to the top-of-the-line 191 kilowatt, 3.2 liter V6 6-speed automatic AWD (starting price of $80,990). These price ranges reflect not only the difference in performance but also the difference in overall options as the V6 comes with a few small extras including headlight washers, heated front seats, and a Bose sound system.