Alfas are renowned for their striking looks and sporting character.
The aggressively styled 159 JTDM, with its turbocharged, common rail, five-cylinder diesel heart, is certainly no exception.
Below 1500 rpm, the fuel-frugal ‘oiler’ lacks a little, but pulls strongly from there to its red line. Our test car’s slick, six-speed, manual gearshift was marred by excessive notchiness into first gear.
The well-sorted chassis, complemented by accurate steering and strong Brembo brakes, will please keener drivers. The standard equipment list, safety features including electronic stability, and the five-star ANCAP crash rating also deserve praise.
Tyre noise levels on anything other than smooth ‘hot mix’ are intrusive and a powerplant vibration felt through the clutch pedal detracted from vehicle refinement. Rear passengers will feel the pinch for space too.