Even now 12 years later, it still looks absolutely awesome. Timeless design.

this car still looks modern today, the 159 has no bad angle, it is rightly proportioned and it arguably has the best looking front end of any car ever.

Italians know how to build a car, germans know how to create a personal vehicle of transportation.

BMW's are nice but basically a German taxi, own an Alfa like my 159 JTDm Ti and you'll smile every time you get behind the wheel. I owned an Audi A4 previously but it was bland and believe me it wasn't perfect and had its own costly issues. To be honest I like many makes and models but they ALL break, Alfa Romeo's are just as reliable as any other car out there on the road today. For many years I listened to the critics about reliability, this that and the other but one day I chose to ignore them and went for it, and bought an Alfa. It has been the best decision I have ever made....could not be happier!! 😆

Italian cars have a soul inside!

I owned 5 Alfa Romeos in my life ... a Giulia GTAm back in the middle 80's,an Alfasud Sprint,an 75 Turbo Evoluzione, an 156 GTA selespeed and the last 6 yrs I.m driving an 159 Tbi... Some say that if you are a true Petrolhead you must own an Alfa sometime in your life. Alfa is the brand with the most devoded owners and haters.. I know from my experience as a driver that Alfas have the sharpest steering,better brakes and engines that love to rev from the most production cars... Now I'm looking forward to buy a Giulia Veloce Q4,...and I'm sure enough that I will drive Alfas as long as I can drive(I'm 49 yrs old)

2 minutes fifth gear is a joke

Is this guy sponsored by BMW?😂

After all these years of working in automotive industry for major German company - Alfa 159 is the only car I would buy. And I mean now - like now in 2023... No new cars come even close in what 159 offers today. That is based not only on looks which is stunning, but on the whole package and philosophy on which this car is built. Most of the new cars got cluttered with too much useless features, electrical components and got that appliance feel. There is too many checkmarks new cars have to satisfy so it is built to everyone's liking. Alfa 159 you can really keep as it stands in the class of its own. I came to own Alfa 159 2.4 diesel in Ti trim after a dozen of different cars, including few BMWs. For me later 5 cylinder 2.4 diesels are the only choice for these cars - lots of power and torque - quite good on B roads and highways and quite an attitude from the engine. I actually like a bit unrefined sound at idle, that gets really smooth as you rev it up. I use my 159 to travel, for business and leisure. It is quite well balanced car that you can really enjoy but it also lets you enjoy the surrounding and actual journey... It is extremely well built both design wise and looks wise. No stupid cupholders - thank you. I prefer to have a cup of coffee or tea outside of a vehicle either in nature or coffee shop. I love the notchy positive feel gearchange - it feels a bit like using gated gear shifter / nothing wrong with that - why criticize that in the test. Real aluminium and Hi Fi looks of the instrumentation and radio... nothing wrong with that either. No touch screens / thats just genius. Handling of Ti is great - it is not a racecar so it is pretty smooth over bumps, very nicely balanced, feels solid, double wishbone and multilink work really good on this platform. This is really nice cruiser and handles really good on both Q4 all wheel and front wheel drive. Being a BMW driver, I am amazed how this car handles. It is really a surprise, a nice one. It is a bit heavier that similar cars in class / I think that is actually good thing - This is not race car, but the car that is suppose to last several decades... Note that mine is 12 years old now and it will easily last another 10, and if I take really good care of it few decades more after that for sure... And as time passes it only looks better, while most other cars on the road are going in opposite direction as far as quality and looks...

So a bad gearbox is enough to make it worse than a BMW? I really don't see eye to eye with Tiff on a lot of reviews because of conclusions like that, it looks better, sounds better, drives just as good and has far more appeal than a BMW yet a notch in the box makes it crap?

well, the gearbox can't be that good, its made in Germany afterall

He just drives it around the town!!

one of the greatest cars in decades, this guy is clueless

There is no way the BMW 325 is as fast as this Q4.No hate there,I like BMWs but this Alfa is a beast and that engine is unmached ;)

This man obviously has a thing for BMW, but that's his mistake... siamo ALFISTI!!!

i love this alfa, if it never goes on sale in america, i'm gonna import one myself.

Fifth Gear big ignorante!

I really don’t understand why everyone says the 159 doesn’t have quick steering because it is very quick it’s better than a bmw 3 series and Mercedes’ slk of the same time. The 2.4 diesel and 3.2 petrol too heavy it does ruin it but the 1750 tbi just brings everything together

The gearbox os made in Russelsheim, Germany, by GM powertrain. What a coincidence 😁😁😁

exactly, that's why i love the car

Go back to beemer,its ok you are old already..grandpa

alfa fans should be honest about the brand: it's a love or hate thing. Period.

Alfa > BMW. Yes, maybe dynamically the BMW is better and yes Alfas are more expensive to run. However, you'd never catch me owning a BMW. I have an Alfa 156 now and wouldn't change it for anything. There is just something different about Alfas which only their owners would be able to tell you about.

I never saw a report of a car so prejudiced. Incredible as this Tiff Needell, said to be a reporter, can be so discriminatory! Look at his behavior when entering the car, as if everything was wrong.

All I hear is "beemer beemer beemer" ffs Tiff!!

i love this car

Well-built 3-series xD Thats like saying unicorns exist.

I had a 159 3.2 JTS Q4 automatic. I bought it for it's looks, and sold it for practically nothing when the overly complicated transmission had problems. I still have a bad taste in my mouth over that car.

Spot on about the gear shift. *sigh* :(

Are the timing chains reliable on these as I heard they can stretch over time and need to be replaced

@coolerdude44 You're really a cool dude, never have I found an American with such enthusiasm to Alfa that much.. well done mate. I used to own one a 156 back home but ever since i moved to the US, I still completely regretted that part of my life. I used to drive it for no reason sometimes, just to enjoy all the bits and pieces. Alfa is not mechanical, it's soulful. cheers !

This car, in rear wheel drive, with the manual (and a shift kit), would be so cool to have in America.

I've got the same car, but its an auto. Its got some pretty agressive heads on the v6 etc, but had to downgrade the camshafts to meet euro 4 emission regulations. To remedy this, i installed a fast road cam package in it and removed the 2nd bank of cats in addition to a straight thru exhaust, gave it a dynotune. it's added 60kw's, its now its got 250 kw's

All of Fifht gear's attitude towards Alfa is because the guys from Top Gear love Alfas.So Tiff Needell feels obliged to hate them ;)

beatiful car....

I have Alfa and Bmw. I love Alfa because it's a companion, and also it has a very nice engine sound (mine is a boxer). As for the BMW, well it's just for social status really. I LOVE Alfa Romeo, even better I adore it. No comparison really

Well BMWs stand for Bavian Money Wasters !! need one say more. I have owned a variety of Alfas (105 series, 116 Alfettas and currently a 156 sportwagon). My Alfas have been incredibly reliable over the years, havn't cost a fortune to run and always put a smile on my face when I drive them. On the other hand sure beemers are fine cars, but seriously, would one take a 3 or 5 series Beemer over a 159, which is one of the most gorgeous designed cars around no way. The interior and quality of build is superb on the 159 and every bit as good as the Germans. If anything the design itself on the Alfa is superior.

alfa is very special look, i love it.

Es un automóvil fantástico.

Surprisingly Alfa is coming back with a big bang. The new 4C holds a new lap time record on the nurburgring, faster then the likes in the class. Example, the M3. hehe.

people who drive BMW are farmers who have no style.

This is how you know that Top Gear is better,they like alfa's,with a good reason

I tried that alfa. I can assure that the gearbox is perfect. The only thing he should have talked about was the transmission clutch...which is not very sporty (as the one the putted on the 2.4Jtdm).

@PulkaSkurken it's the precedent model of 159, altho he engine is another thing

Sorry Tiff, I hang on your every word and respect the hell out if ya but gotta call bullcrap on this review, the 159 is a beast of a car and has more than stood the test of time.

He likes perfection and more importantly he likes rwd and 50-50 weight distribution of a bimmer ... Wich i also share with him ... But o boy would i would buy one in heartbeat ? yes i would since i love my 147 to bits

Best looking front of a car

I love my 159, BMW is just like cow shit its everywhere.

БОГИНЯ!!!!

can anyone tell me the title of the song @ the beginning ?

There were only 2 of this precise model of the 159 (3.2 v6 Lusso Q4) ever put on the road in the UK. Amazingly, both are still on the road. And I own one of them. not this one, the other one. A bloke in Derby owns the one from this video and its currently for sale on autocar, if anyone wants the exact car from this film.

you are so right Mark.my one is a 2008.five years later they should have made the 159s more powerful and more economical,even if not turbo.yeap they should not have stoped production,caus the new guilia in nowhere ready yet.i have a feeling in a few years time,the current spider,159s and brera,will be classic cars and very collectable. that face with the six lights is just a stroke of genius.take care.

Alfa is a racing car built for production in limited unit a racing horses,beemer is a production car built for racing a farm horses..

I agree. Bang for buck, it's the sexiest car on the road. WHY they stopped production is beyond me? Why did they not continue to enhance the 159 and the Brera? Instead they chose Mito and Julie....target audience maybe?

Which car beat BMW in British Touring Car championship and European year after year, Alfa of course. Nuff said Bollocks Motor Wagon fanboys.

CUORE SPORTIVO!!!

Yes the box is very 'gated' but that is the only negative you'll get with an Alfa 159. 9/10 isn't too bad eh! ;)

I dog mine ! And she Proforms really well.. i used to race.. and my ti can race..

he obviously isint and alfa fan , i would have a 159 over a 3 series, c class, a4 any day

Hey Fifth Gear... send me your archives so I can upload this in full HD and not 240p potato camera quality.

Because, you're engaged with the gearbox. It's an Alfa ,thing .

@doddsalfa front suspension almost every 6-7 months. i'm talking about the 156 year 2000

What do you mean the steering and brakes arent the sharpest?? It has an amazing suspention system with double wishbones at the front and a very stiff anti-roll bar making it way way way better handling and sharp steering than a bmw 3. Brakes are brembo 4pot calipers with 335mm discs and 290mm rear witch are exceptional..... I've owned and drove many bmw's and they have nothing to do with a 159...

Bel mostro

@OPUSHAK And one more thing... A proper Alfa has a rear wheel drive... take 75 for example....

@eastmastet agree he is a good driver indeed

I don't understand all the hate with the gearshift. Yes it's an Opel/GM unit but isn't it better to be precise and notchy than vague and rubbery like in modern BMW's? Yes you can make a lightweight easy gearshift like in Fords, but that's not what the 159/Brera/Spider cars are for. You want 200+ HP, you want a spirited driving experience, a notchy and precise gearbox is the exact thing you need. I've driven a Giulietta QV and it's the same thing, i might even prefer the shifts in my Spider, it's rewarding in my opinion.

As Clarkson said, Alfas are for nice people, just stick to your BMW 3 series

I used to own a 2.2 JTS and I liked it for its design. But I was disappointed by the engine, normal I came from a honda S2000 before the alfa. My next car will be a 3.2 JTS perhaps... Or a c63 amg depending of my cash amount.

Ahm, I am happy to have a broad view on cars for I have actually recently bought my first German car ( and I am 1/2 German). And yes a BMW E90 323i. And guess what it's very enjoyable to drive. The only thing I can say though upon reflection is that from an aesthetic perspective the 159 both outside and inside has greater panache (look the word up if you don't understand ). I am not saying the Beemer doesn't have style it's just that the Alfa oozes style. Now a convertible E46 or even an M3 or M5 looks pretty hot. I am certainly looking forward to seeing the new Giulia for its a game changer.

BMW is famous about his handling and driving pleasure thats a FACT! But i know you are a Italian so... temperamente!

the 159 q4 is one of the most awesome cars i know, what a hater

I want to buy a Sportswagon.. 159 2.2? Would prefer a sedan or even better a GT blackline..

@gregfiesta1 what problem?

Lenta come una lumaca!

tiff did not like it,top gears james may,loved it.i have the 2.2 jts and i think there is nothing better looking for the money and it is a change from the bmws,mercs,audis and jags ect.not saying the other cars are but,just saying that the alfa is a nice change.

A 3 series is a old mans, executive popout.. The alfa at least has some flair, some style and that engine note.. I love beamers, but no way I'd choose a 3-series over a top of the range 3.2 JTS Q4 159.. sorry tiff

159 is beautiful, but heavy. This is not the real Alfa driving feel. Get 155, 156, or 75 if you find one in a good shape- then you will start to understand these cars.

@pzipischiquo secondo la mia opinione non é solo bella,ha dei motori molto validi.Di solito sono d'accordo nel dire che le alfa che vengono fuori ultimamente sono molto criticabili,ma questa secondo me ricorda un pò il vecchio stile alfa,anche se non del tutto...

How many young boys playing on the sidewalks would you see turn around to have another look at a BMW?It's like a wheelchair in a hospital corridor,they all look the same.

He does piss me off, constantly banging on about bm's and you need to review a car with an open mind. However, I've owned a 159; I loved the car and the comments I received, but I have to agree with him about the gear changing.

Fancy giving 5th Gear the lowest spec Lusso no electric anything or sat nav or alloys ticked on the options list!

W l'Italia e le sue Alfa

i own 3rd alfa in my life , and i don't want other car ... :)

Can’t quite see why he couldn’t find the ignition it’s in much the same spot as a 3 series e90 which he keeps wanking on about

If you prefer a BMW over this. You have no soul

Tiff Shittles.

Feel sorry for Alfa always been compared to BMW for its compact saloons. Hopefully the guiletta has put this to bed. The Alfa's are much better value that's for sure

Tiff Needell on Alfa ?..........oh dear, how sad, never mind. Condescending so and so who hasn't a clue at all really. He had decided before he drove it he wasn't going to like it. Thats right Tiff, back to a BMW where indicators are an optional extra thats never taken up as BMW drivers never use them anyway.

@gregfiesta1 total different car than 159 tho..

because they try to use all the stereotypes about italy...anyway the car is amazing....i m italian and proud of this car....even if i don't get it

This review is SO WRONG, this Tiff guy who pretends to be Jeremy Clarkson, has no idea what he's talking about ... Or perhaps he just got a bad car from Alfa, though I don't believe so... I have a BMW 528i, a great car, love it... though my relative has an Alfa 159, I've driven it and must say, that the steering is blade sharp, the gearbox is very nice, short and sporty,Then Mr. Needell talks about brakes on this particular Alfa.... c'mon you can never say the brakes are bad..they are BREMBOS

The most un-Alfa generation of cars. 159, Brera, Brera Spider. Lardy, sluggish and unrewarding. They look Fantastic though. Is that enough? No.

All BMWs looks like rubbish sitting next to this car...this is one of the most beautiful cars in the world. When Alfa makes its way back to the US soon, they better bring over this car, or im importing it soon... =)

More like Tiff Needledick

Chiedetevi xchè è un programma che forse non verrà mandato in onda... non fanno un test serio... TOP GEAR loro si che son bravi... Metterei sky solo per guardarli...

The difference between an Alfa and a BMW 3 series is that an Alfa is not driven by a bellend.

this car is better build an more beautiful than any bmw.

I agree, but lol, that's like saying the best women in the world are Italian women. Then someone saying Italian women are beautiful, but not the most beautiful. Then retorting you're right, the most beautiful women are Italian supermodels!

I'm an italian boy and truly convinced "alfista": i've to admit that the gearbox in the newest alfa models isn't that good...so the clutch...but, hey, it's an Alfa, it remembers me the "dolce vita", it's stylish, it's so beautiful and it has a wonderful sound...i don't care about the power, or the comfort of a gear stick: i'm in the most beautiful car of the world, who cares about anything? :)