Alfa Romeo launches 159 Limited Edition with exclusive styling and kit
Alfa Romeo has introduced a 250-unit Limited Edition of the 159 saloon, featuring Carbonio black paint, sports suspension, and a 1.9 JTDM diesel engine for £22,168.
Alfa Romeo unveiled a Limited Edition version of its 159 saloon in December 2008, offering a more distinctive and better-equipped alternative to the standard model. This special edition was restricted to just 250 units for the UK market, aimed at buyers who wanted extra features and unique styling without a significant increase in price. The Limited Edition was only available as a saloon, with no estate or Sportwagon version offered.
Overview of the Alfa Romeo 159 Limited Edition
Exclusive Features and Equipment
The Alfa 159 Limited Edition stands out with its Carbonio black metallic paint, which gives the car a sleek and modern appearance. The exterior is further enhanced by darkened 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and red Brembo brake callipers, adding to its sporting character. Lowered sports suspension improves the car's stance and handling, while black leather upholstery and sports dials with red backgrounds set the interior apart from the standard model. These features represent an equipment boost of over £3,000 compared to the regular 159, focusing on visual impact and driving feel rather than outright performance upgrades.
- Carbonio black metallic paintwork
- Darkened 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels
- Red Brembo brake callipers
- Lowered sports suspension
- Black leather upholstery
- Sports dials with red backgrounds
Engine, Performance, and Economy
Powering the Limited Edition is Alfa Romeo's 1.9-litre JTDM diesel engine, producing 150bhp. The engine is paired with a manual gearbox and drives the front wheels, consistent with the standard 159 diesel saloon. Alfa Romeo quotes a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.2 seconds, making it a capable performer for its class. The official combined fuel economy figure stands at 47mpg, which was competitive for a diesel saloon of its time. These specifications ensured that the Limited Edition remained practical for everyday use while providing a sportier driving experience.
| Engine | 1.9-litre JTDM diesel, 150bhp |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, front-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph | 9.2 seconds |
| Combined fuel economy | 47mpg |
| Price (2008) | £22,168 |
| Production | 250 units (UK only) |
Production Run and Rarity
With only 250 examples produced for the UK, the Alfa 159 Limited Edition is one of the rarer modern Alfa Romeo saloons. Its exclusivity has made it a sought-after model among enthusiasts and collectors who value limited-run vehicles with unique styling cues. The production run was tightly controlled, and all units were allocated to UK dealers, making it a special find on the used car market today.
Dealer Promotion and Market Position
To boost interest in the new model, Alfa Romeo launched a promotion in which customers who test drove any new 159 could enter a draw to win a James Bond Quantum of Solace Scalextric set. This set featured both the Aston Martin DBS and the Alfa 159, tying in with the car's sporting image and adding further appeal for potential buyers. The Limited Edition was positioned as a dealer special, designed to attract attention in showrooms and offer something exclusive in the competitive D-segment saloon market.
While the 159 Limited Edition did not introduce new engines or significant mechanical changes, its focus on appearance and equipment mirrored similar limited-run models from other manufacturers. The approach was similar to special editions offered by rivals, which often combine visual upgrades and extra features to create a sense of exclusivity and boost showroom traffic.
Comparison with Rivals and Legacy
The Alfa 159 Limited Edition was launched at a time when many carmakers were offering special versions of their mainstream models to attract buyers. Competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW also released limited editions with enhanced styling and equipment. The Alfa 159 Limited Edition distinguished itself with its Italian design flair and focus on driving enjoyment. Today, it remains a distinctive choice for those seeking a rare Alfa Romeo with a blend of style and practicality.
What works
- Exclusive styling features set it apart from standard models
- Limited production run increases desirability
- Good balance of performance and fuel economy
- Enhanced equipment list for the price
What does not
- No mechanical upgrades over standard 1.9 JTDM model
- Only available as a saloon, not as an estate
- Limited availability restricted to UK market
