Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon and Spider
Debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show

Motion Trends,
31st January 2006.

Alfa Romeo is set to boost its 159 upper medium model (D segment, midsize in North American standards) with the world debut of the 159 Sportwagon version, alongside the attractive Alfa Spider launch at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show (2-12 March).

Alfa 159 Sportwagon - The Alfa 159 Sportwagon blends clear Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sportscar, the flexibility and versatility of space usually expected from higher class estates.

Like the saloon – the total length (4,660 millimetres) is exactly the same – the new 159 Sportwagon got its sporty look without any trace of that ‘added-on volume’ impression which burdens some station wagons.

The sleek lines of the long roof give it a coupé feel, as does the roof spoiler and the edgy aerodynamic styling, while the functional interior offers great load volume.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is available in 2 or 3 versions (depending on the country), 12 bodywork colours and 5 interior colourways.

It offers three new JTS engines with double continuous variable valve timing (the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, the 185 bhp 2.2 and the 160 bhp 1.9) and three turbodiesel Multijet engines (the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v, the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v and the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM 8v). All of these are fitted with new manual six-speed gearboxes, and some versions also offer automatic gears and robotised Selespeed gear lever, also six speed.

Alfa Spider - Also debuting in Geneva is the Alfa Spider, a complex, sophisticated "creature" which both recalls the world renown Alfa Romeo tradition in this sector (from the Giulietta Spider in the ‘50s to the Duetto and the Nineties model).

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater – 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high – characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust terminals which accentuate the impression of great temperament. The interior of the Alfa Spider is inviting and gorgeously sophisticated, thanks to the use of quality materials and added value features (as standard, depending on the version): from the automatic dual-zone climate control to the steering wheel mounted radio controls, from VDC to cruise control.

Available in two versions, the Alfa Spider can be fitted with the sparkling 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine or the more powerful 260 bhp 3.2 JTS.

Both Alfa Romeo models feature high double wishbone suspension at the front and Multilink at the rear. Along with great ride comfort, the Alfa Spider and Alfa 159 Sportwagon boast a sporty configuration and the use of state of the art ‘Q4’ four wheel drive (available on the 260 bhp 3.2 versions).

Like the 159 saloon version which was recently awarded 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars – the two Alfa Romeo models once more confirm the utmost attention which goes into all aspects regarding safety, as well as offering the most sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic control devices.