Just had my 156 SW 2.4 20V MJET Ti in for some problem resolution for the 4th time in as many months (too much black smoke upon acceleration caused by an inop breather bottle at the rear of engine compartment).
I was given a 2.2 JTS 159 as a courtesy car - I've read some reports on AO that rubbished this car and personally I think some of it is pretty unfounded stuff. Whilst not having the torque of the big oil burner it has plenty of umph and didn't feel any slower than my old 156 2.0TS.
The build quality on the 159 is excellent and I was impressed by the damping and grip. I love my 156 and my facelifted 166 TS but the refinement of the 159 is a huge improvement.
Two comments -
1) fuel consumption over 200miles was just 25.7mpg -though it had only 500 miles on the clock and that might improve
2) The Twin Phaser JTS does not sound anywhere near as good as the old Twinny - may be due to sound insulation.
So well done Alfa - you've built a stonking car no doubt with a fraction of the development pot as BMW and Audi give their development teams.
I am glad to have the 156 back - boy oh boy is that MJET engine a hoot!