Ti me 159 down, sport

ALFA Romeo Australia has introduced a limited-edition Ti version of its 159 prestige sedan, offering additional equipment worth a claimed $10,000 for half that amount on the V6 model variant – and for just a $2000 increase over the recommended retail price of the 2.2 JTS.

Starting from $54,990 for the 2.2 JTS and $76,990 for the 3.2 V6, the Ti denotes the sports-themed Tourism International package that has appeared on select Alfa Romeo models for more than 50 years, including the 159’s predecessor, the 156 (2004).

Among the additional equipment on the 159 Ti are sports suspension (which lowers the vehicle 20mm), 19-inch alloy wheels (with 235/40-section tyres) and red-painted brake callipers to match the Brembo brake package – another new item on the 2.2 JTS, but which is standard on the 3.2 V6.

A subtle bodykit and “burnished aluminium finish” on the wing mirrors complete the Ti exterior look, while aluminium highlights are also used in the cabin on areas including the dashboard, drilled sports pedals and door sills.

Soft Italian black leather and other dark trim are used to provide maximum contrast between the metallic trim and also red highlights which appear on the instruments and leather-upholstered sports seats, steering wheel and gearshift.

Furthermore, the 2.2 JTS Ti adds electric front seat adjustment (including a heater on both front seats and two-position memory on the driver’s side), a USB connection point for MP3 players and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity – all of which are standard items on the V6.

Specifying the Selespeed clutch-less manual gearbox over the standard six-speed manual adds $3000 to the bottom line of the front-wheel drive 136kW 2.2-litre JTS. For the AWD 191kW 3.2-litre V6, the Q-Tronic six-speed automatic (with sequential-manual shift mode) also adds $3000.

“The Alfa Romeo 159 Ti has a long heritage to live up to and that’s why we have decided to take the changes and additional equipment to a new level,” said Alfa Romeo Australia general manager David Stone.

“This means that there is a wealth of new equipment and some significant changes under the skin that will enable the Alfa Romeo 159 Ti to provide an even more exciting and involving driving experience for the lucky few who will own this limited-edition model.

“If the package of equipment that combines to produce the Ti was available separately, it would add approximately $10,000 to the cost of the 159.

“But the price difference is just $2000 for the V6 version and $5000 for 2.2 JTS-equipped 159 Ti, making the latest limited edition Alfa Romeo to carry the Ti badge also the best-ever value for money,” he said.