Alfa offers a touch of Bond

Dec 8 2008 Peter Hayward

TO celebrate the launch of the Alfa 159 Limited Edition, the Italian sporting marque is offering a chance to win ready-to-race James Bond Quantum of Solace Scalextric sets featuring the Aston Martin DBS and the Alfa 159.

The latest 159 is loaded with more than £3,000 worth of extras and gadgets, including lowered suspension, red Brembo brake callipers, sports dials, black leather upholstery, black metallic paint and darkened 19-inch spoke alloy wheels.

Only 250 of these eye-catching saloons will be built, all powered by possibly the best engine in the range - the 1.9 JTDM 150bhp diesel.

This gives excellent performance and superb 47mpg economy, which has to be a pretty unbeatable combination.

The 159 is a cracking looker and at this price, check it out against German rivals, because even with lower residual values, it could still be a bargain.

The chance to win a Quantum of Solace Scalextric set comes when you take a test drive of a new 159 and complete a form at your local dealer.

Interior

The cabin is spacious and comfortable and the driving position is brilliant, with a near perfect driver-focussed ambiance.

There is good legroom front and rear, a decent size boot and very good equipment in them all, never mind the special edition. Safety is excellent.

FAST FACTS

Alfa Romeo 159 Limited Edition

Price : £22,170

Mechanical : 150bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 130mph

0-62mph : 9.4 secs

Combined mpg : 47

Insurance group : 12

CO2 emissions : 157g/km

BiK rating : 21%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo, VW Bora