| Two More Engines For Alfa Romeo 159 |
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(Mon 31 Aug 09) Alfa Romeo has introduced two new engines to its 159 range of saloons and Sportwagons, both of them intended to combine greater performance with improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The more exciting of the two is a 1742cc turbo petrol unit. Cars fitted with this engine are known as 1750 TBi (partly in honour of a previous Alfa known as the 1750 Berlina) and, in saloon form, have a top speed of 147mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. Figures like this rarely give the whole story, though, and Alfa Romeo is stressing that the 1750 TBi's mid-range performance is even more impressive - accelerating from 25 to 62mph in fifth gear, for example, takes 11.5 seconds, while 37-62mph in sixth takes 8.9 seconds. On the matter of CO2 emissions, the 1750 TBi is rated at 189g/km, and this means a significant drop in company car Benefit In Kind taxation compared with the less powerful 2.2 JTS petrol engine which, however, remains available for the 159. 1750 TBi models also have a mileage extension to 21,000 miles between scheduled services. The other new engine is the fifth is a series of JTDm turbo diesels for the 159 range. This is a two-litre unit producing a maximum of 170bhp, and it gives the 159 a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds (within a second of what the more powerful 2.4 JTDm can manage) and a top speed of 136mph, while CO2 emissions are 142g/km. Alfa Romeo has also revised the structure of the 159 range and now offers five trim levels. The existing Turismo, Lusso and TI have been joined by Turismo Sport and Elegante, and prices range from £19,950 for the 120bhp 1.9 JTDm Eco Turismo saloon to £28,900 for the 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 TI Sportwagon. Prices for cars fitted with the two new engines extend from £21,800 to £26,050 for both the 2.0 JTDm and the 1750 TBi. Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter. |
