2012 & 2013 Alfa Romeo Wagon Reviews & Ratings

Although Italian automaker Alfa Romeo is usually known for its sporty and sleek coupe and sedan models, it certainly has something to offer as far as Sports Wagons go as well. Currently, the Alfa Romeo line, a division of Fiat, offers one wagon vehicle-the 159 SW. However, enthusiasts are also excited about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sports Wagon- set to hit the market in 2013. The Giulietta hatchback coupe is currently the brand's most popular model; however, the company feels it needs another... (full review continues below)

Although Italian automaker Alfa Romeo is usually known for its sporty and sleek coupe and sedan models, it certainly has something to offer as far as Sports Wagons go as well. Currently, the Alfa Romeo line, a division of Fiat, offers one wagon vehicle-the 159 SW. However, enthusiasts are also excited about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sports Wagon- set to hit the market in 2013. The Giulietta hatchback coupe is currently the brand's most popular model; however, the company feels it needs another wagon to compete properly, especially since wagons make up almost a quarter of European compact sales- and nearly three-quarters in Germany and Italy. The previous Alfa Romeo wagon was named the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon. This wagon was eventually axed in 2008 due to less-than-ideal sales. Alfa doesn't have plans to sell either the wagon or the standard Giulietta in the U.S. due to low demand for such a vehicle.

Successful Alfa Romeo recently celebrate its 100th birthday in 2010. Its successes have been based on quality luxury vehicles such as the recent Alfa Romeo 8C and Alfa Romeo MiTo, all the way back to the original 24 horsepower 1910 model designed by Giuseppe Merosi (He also designed the GTA, the Duetto, the Spider, and the Giulietta). In fact, Alfa Romeo has become one of the most recognizable and iconic brands in existence today.

The current Alfa Romeo wagon: the 159 SW has a starting price of about 20,895 - 28,830 (or starting at about EUR 26,000). This wagon is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing you'll ever see, or wish to see. It specifically competes with Ford Mondeo Estate and the BMW 5 Series vehicles. It also competes against such companies as Mercedes-Benz, internally against Fiat, against Audi, and against Infiniti. The sedan version of the mid-size 159 SW first appeared in 2005 at the Geneva Auto Show to replace the Alfa Romeo 156, and the SW is an estate version of the car that was shown. It was specifically introduced at the next year's Geneva show in 2006. Both 159 vehicles use the Fiat/GM Premium platform, which can also be seen on the Spider and Brera Alfa Romeo models, as well as the Visconti and Kamal concept cars. Production of the 159 ended in 2011, but it can still be purchased new from stock.

The Alfa Romeo 159 SW is available in both front-and four-wheel drive configurations, and since 2011, has received power solely from diesel engines; both the 2170 PS 2.0 JTDm and the 136 PS are available on the 159 Sportwagen. And, not only is it powerful; it also includes impressive technology features such as the Blue&Me and me infotainment system, which keeps the driver connected, up-to-date, informed, and on the right track. The SW SportWagen is available in several different trims (listed in order of lowest to highest price): the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 2.0 JTDm 136 Turismo 5-door, the 2.0 JTDm 170 Turismo 5-door, the 1750 TBi Turismo 5-door, the 2.0 JTDm 136 Lusso 5-door, the 2.0 JTDm 170 Lusso 5-door, the 1750 TBi Lusso 5-door, the 2.0 JTDm 136 TI 5-door, the 2.0 JTDm 170 TI 5-door, and the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 1750 TBi TI 5-door trims. After conversion, all of these models are available for under $43,000.