Alfa’s Ti flavoured 159

ALFA ROMEO has re-released Ti versions of its 159.

However, the designation – which stands for Tourismo Internationale – will be a first for the diesel and Sportswagon models in Australia, as well as the more traditional petrol-powered sedans.

Three of the four 159 engine options get the Ti treatment – the 136kW/230Nm 2.2-litre JTS four-cylinder petrol, the 147kW/400Nm 2.4-litre JTD four-cylinder turbo-diesel, and the 191kW/322Nm 3.2-litre V6 petrol.

The entry-level 159 diesel – the 1.9-litre JTD four-cylinder turbo-diesel – misses out.

Gearbox choices include six-speed manuals for all engines, a Selspeed automated manual for the 2.2 and Alfa’s Q-Tronic six-speed automatic for the 2.4 and 3.2 159s.

According to Alfa’s Australian distributors Ateco Automotive, the Ti package brings around $10,000 worth of features and modifications for $5000 more on the four-cylinder 159s, and for just $2000 extra on the V6.

These include the fitment of a sports suspension package, which sees the 159 lowered by 20mm for sharper responses, supported by larger, 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 low-profile tyres, and backed up by Brembo brakes that are painted in ‘Alfa Romeo’ red.



Along with the latter two features, you can spot a 159 Ti by its lowered stance, new body kit, and aluminium finish door mirror casings.

Inside, there’s black leather with red stitching for the embossed seats, steering wheel and gear knob, red highlights for the instruments, a darker burnished aluminium finish for the dashboard, while aluminium also furnishes the pedals and Ti-branded door sills.

Alfa has also installed a Bluetooth-compatible device with steering wheel-mounted controls and a USB connection point to play MP3s.

Last year, Ateco introduced the 159 Ti in petrol-powered sedans only – a move that proved to be a sell-out within weeks, according to a company spokesman.

Yet with sales of the diesel-powered 159s exceeded 50 per cent of the range at the moment, it was only a matter of time before Ateco sought to add its famous Ti badge to these as well.

“Given the success of the first generation 159 Ti, we have added the Sportwagon to the programme and with Turbo Diesel engines now account for more than half of 159 sales in Australia, the 2.4 JTD Turbo Diesel in Ti form was a must,” said Alfa Romeo general manger Edward Butler.

Perhaps the most famous recipient of the Ti treatment was the Alfasud of the 1970s and 80s, although the badge has been employed on Alfa Romeos since 1950 (1300 Ti).

More recent Ti cars included the 147 in 2003 and 2006, and the 156 in 2004.

2008 Alfa Romeo 159 Ti prices:

Sedan:
2.2 JTS	$54,990
2.2 JTS Selespeed	$56,990
2.4 JTD diesel	$58,990
2.4 JTD diesel Q-Tronic (a)	$61,990
3.2 V6	$76,990
3.2 V6 Q-Tronic (a)	$79,990

Sportwagon:
2.2 JTS	$57,990
2.2 JTS Selespeed	$59,990
2.4 JTD diesel	$61,240
2.4 JTD diesel Q-Tronic (a)	$64,240
3.2 V6	$79,990
3.2 V6 Q-Tronic (a)	$82,990