Test Drive Alfa Romeo 159 since 2005 Sedan

feel the difference

Beauty Alfa Romeo 159 will not reproach in an excessive utility, but the practicality and pleasure of driving rarely go hand in hand
Democratic D-class sedans are not the most demanded now the goods. Therefore, manufacturers seek to make new models larger and luxurious, bringing them to classmates from noble families. And let Ford Mondeo and Mazda6 be equal to Alfa Romeo 159 in the brightness of the plan, the embodiment of their intended authors came out quite worthy.
Despite the relatively gentle market age of today's heroes of our heading, readers have already had the opportunity to get acquainted with them all the cars managed to visit Mkmobil tests. Accordingly, refraining from the lengthy descriptions of exterior and interiors, make attention to the ergonomics of a driver's seat. Here Alfa seems almost flawless. Setting the steering wheel and seats without problems.
The instrument readings are read perfect. All controls from the pedal node to the climatic system buttons in their places and function impeccably. The visibility of serious complaints does not cause. In general, manage the 159th, getting real pleasure from driving, easy and pleasant. How the truth is to speak.
But if we took to tell the truth, we emanate for the shortcomings. We have to admit that we, the depraved integral influence of the West, have already just enough to enjoy the fascinating car management process. Modern customers are given all sorts of additional conveniences like a shelf and cup holders. But with places where it would be vainly trigger a jar of cola, a phone or a pack of cigarettes, in the monolithic cockpit of Italian is definitely rather weak. Niche left from the steering column and the modest box-armrest does not count.
The Ford driver satisfies the passing whim is not an example easier: there are comfortable apartments in the cabin for all the smallest things you need on the road. But with ergonomics, on the contrary, problems. No, not global, of course. But tangible.
For example, the Mondeo seat of the vertical setting of Mondeo practically reduces all attempts to lower people get driving with due comfort. The chair rises not evenly, but only the back of the pillow. The location of the power window control unit provoking the brush dislocation is also not called successful.
Mazda6 driver's place is organized almost immaculate. You can only subscribe to the too hard seat. With the selection of convenient landing and accessibility of the controls of the problems of problems, it is most likely no (however, colleagues had complaints about an insufficient steering adjustment range). There is where to refuse and concomitant small things.
And the trunk at the six is \u200b\u200balive at all and, by the way, the largest in our Trinity. The second place of trucks occupies Ford, only a little inferior to Japanese.
But Alfa loses to rivals to good hundred liters. We are talking about sedans, but in principle, the 159th is available in the body of the station wagon, and its rivals can also be hatchback. (Sales Mazda6-Hatchback will begin in February, and the universals will appear in April.)
It does not evenly bring a barrier Italian and rear passengers: there is no place for the feet here in excess. Threesome are practically unrealistic (the central headrest offered as an option, by and large and is not needed). Against the background of the obvious tightness on the rear seats Alfa 159, the optional climate control for their inhabitants looks like a funny misunderstanding or relatively inexpensive (254 euros) to a children's toy, because only kids there will be comfortable.
Neither Ford, nor Mazda with such an option passengers offer. However, in the absence of concerns about people creators of these cars will not reproach. If only because the life space on the rear seats is not an example more than in Alfa. Salon of the new six began noticeably spacious, some deficit is observed only by vertical: a sharp person supports the head of the ceiling. And already Mondeo, actually moving in a higher dimensional class, and at all competing: Places for the legs here as in other limousine
In the Alfa Romeo line 159, three gasoline engines with direct injection and variable gas distribution phases. Opens a gamma Economic engine 1.9 JTS (160 hp), and the powerful 3,2-liter V-shaped six, developing 260 hp Together with a full drive system Q4, this unit will deliver you true pleasure, fully discontinued the potential of Alfa 159. However, pleasure is not cheap. Including due to high operating costs. The Golden Middle We are rightfully considering a 2.2-liter 185-strong version. It is not too burdens in operation, and the proposed power reserve is quite enough, so as not to feel a steppet on the road. In addition, the engine is amazingly elastic and perfectly pulls on any revolutions, not forcing the driver too often to be distracted by gear shifting. By the way, the 6-speed mechanic is a clarity sample (and to the robotic transmission Selespeed, as well as the Q-Tronic machine, there is no significant complaints).
Perfectly operates MCP and on Mondeo (depending on the engine, it can be 5- or 6-speed). By the number of Ford Motors proposed, simply champion four gasoline and two 2-liter diesel engines (130 and 140 hp). However, the basic 1.6 (125 hp) is unlikely to deserve serious attention. After all, even a 2-liter 145-strong engine barely grabs for more or less active ride.
There are some better things with a 2.3-liter 161-strong engine (it, as either less powerful from diesel engines, is available only with AKP-6). Well, on the top of the gamma, the 220-severe turbo-five volume of 2.5 liters, borrowed for the new Mondeo in the bins of the VOLVO.
Mazda6 clients still offer 1.8- and 2-liter engines (120 and 147 hp) inherited by the novelty from the predecessor. However, there is also a relatively fresh solution of a 2.5-liter 170-strong motor (the final version of the acquaintance of us 2.3), which is superb in MCP-6. The selection of transmission, the Japanese does not particularly indulge: AKP-5 can be an alternative mechanics only for buyers of a 2-liter version.
Finally, prices. It is not difficult to guess that the most expensive car in this test Alfa Romeo. In the basic configuration of 159th with a motor 1.9 liter costs 1,126,800 rubles. The all-wheel drive top version of this sedan will cost 540,000 rubles more expensive. It's funny that by surcharges to this difference of some 75,000 rubles, you can purchase the most affordable Mondeo 1.6 Ambiente. And even a little bit at once and Mazda6 1.8 Direct (from 653,000 rubles). However, everything has a reasonable explanation. First, for these relatively modest amounts you will get the car empty, like a tambourine shaman (well-equipped democratic sedans are very different money). Secondly, the need to overpay for the brand and Alfa Romeo takes far from the last place in the automobile world alas, no one has canceled.
Finally, none of the heroes of this test delivered us such pleasure from driving like Alfa 159. And for the pleasure, we will repeat, you have to pay.
Krash Test Alfa Romeo 159
According to the results of EURONCAP crash tests in 2006, Alfa Romeo 159 received 5 stars, gaining 34 points, which is the best indicator among all models of brand and classmates. The imitation of the frontal collision Alfa received 15 points, and with lateral 16 points. It was commendable to safely a car for small passengers traveling in a children's chair, 4 stars. But pedestrians with Alfa 159 are better not to face 1 star.
Mazda6 crash test
New Mazda6 has not yet passed independent crash tests. However, there is every reason to assume that their results will not be worse than the predecessor. Recall that in a series of crash tests conducted in 2005 by Euroncap, Mazda6 sedan received 31 points for safety, which corresponds to the 4 star indicator. The American NHTSA appropriated a sedan of the Mazda6 of the 2007 model year 5 stars for protecting the driver and passengers in front of the front collision.
In the imitation of the side collision, the car was no longer so secure, having received only 4 stars.
Ford Mondeo Crash Test
In a series of crash tests conducted by Euroncap in September 2007, Ford Mondeo last generation received fairly high marks. For the safety of the driver and adult passengers, the car earned 5 stars. Children's safety was estimated at 4 stars. Moreover, points were reduced for the fact that the special toggle switch, turning off the front passenger airbag, is offered only as an option. Therefore, it is not recommended to install a children's chair in front. The pedestrian protection was not at the height of only 2 stars.
Alfa Romeo 159.
+ Magnificent power unit, excellent handling, good basic equipment.
Tests on the rear seats, a small trunk, high operating costs.
Mazda6.
+ Bright design, decent handling, spacious luggage compartment, MP3 radio.
Mediocre noise insulation, the machine is available only with a 2-liter motor, poor basic equipment.
Ford Mondeo.
+ Wide selection of engines, excellent handling, spacious salon, solid appearance.
An uncomfortable location of the power supply unit, a two-liter motor for a sledging machine is weak.
Andrei Tsybulsky
Author photo: Yang Segal
 

A source: Mkmobile magazine [January / 2008]