First look: Alfa shows all-paw 159, Brera

AUSTRALIA’S first taste of new-generation all-wheel drive technology from Alfa Romeo will come next year in the shape of the 159 AWD medium sedan – revealed last week at Frankfurt.

The all-paw 159 made its world debut at Frankfurt last week alongside the Brera AWD coupe.

While two-wheel drive versions of both models are already on sale in Europe, the range-topping AWD versions will arrive here as part of the new 159 and Brera ranges in mid-2006 and late 2006 respectively.

The 156-replacing 159 range will be available here in front-drive 136kW 2.2-litre petrol and 147kW 2.4-litre diesel guise, along with a range-topping 191kW 3.2-litre JTS V6-powered AWD variant dubbed Q4. It will be previewed at next year’s Melbourne motor show in February.



Meantime, the new Brera coupe will make its Australian debut at this year’s Sydney motor show in October before going on sale late next year in 195kW 3.2-litre V6 form only, with AWD as an option.

In Europe, Brera is also available with a 140kW 2.2-litre petrol four and a 150kW 2.4-litre JTD turbo-diesel.

Alfa Romeo Australia has promised affordable pricing for the Italian brand’s new sports flagship, and will also release a turbo-diesel version of – and an iPod Pack for - the facelifted 147 hatch around November.