The Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was first introduced in 2005 as a successor to the Alfa Romeo 156 and remained in production until 2011. The Alfa Romeo 159 was designed to offer a stylish and sporty driving experience while providing the comfort and luxury expected in the compact executive car segment. The Alfa Romeo 159 was well-received during its production lifespan and earned critical acclaim for its design and performance. However, due to changing market demands and the need for updated technology, Alfa Romeo discontinued the 159 in 2011. It was succeeded by the Alfa Romeo Giulia in the compact executive car segment.
Alfa Romeo 159 Overview
The Alfa Romeo 159 was introduced in 2005 as a replacement to the incredibly successful Alfa Romeo 156 in the premium midsize segment. However, it faced increased competition from the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, and the 159 never managed to match the sales numbers of its predecessor. As a result of disappointing sales, production of the model was ceased in 2011 without a direct successor. That car, named Giulia, will probably be introduced in 2015, leaving Alfa without a midsized car and a line-up of just two mainstream vehicles and a low-volume sports car for four long years.
The 159 was available as a 4-door sedan and as a 5-door “Sportwagon” station wagon, front-wheel drive with optional four-wheel drive on the 3,2 V6 and 2,4 JTD diesel engines. It still featured Alfa’s characteristic V-shaped grille, but the hidden rear-door handles were dropped. The 159 has been criticized for being overweight, resulting in poor fuel economy and driving dynamics.
Alfa Romeo 159 Sales Data & Trends
Sales of the Alfa Romeo 159 peaked at 65.802 cars in 2007, but have decreased quickly since, to under 10.500 cars in 2011. The model was updated in 2008, with only minor changes to the exterior, but great improvements under the skin. By using more aluminum, the weight of the car was reduced by 45 kgs (99 lbs), but it was too little too late to save the 159. Production was ended in 2011, but since then, remaining stock models have still been sold.
Alfa Romeo 159 Europe Sales Data & Charts
Annual sales figures for the Alfa Romeo 159 in Europe. See how Alfa Romeo 159 sales compare to the other models in the premium midsized car segment.
Annual Sales
Annual sales figures for the Alfa Romeo 159 in Europe.
Annual Growth
Car sales statistics are from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Sources: Manufacturers, ANDC, JATO Dynamics.
