The luggage compartment will be appreciated for its regular shape: a great deal of work went into the design to optimise the loading area without penalising the geometry of the rear suspension, allowing the driver to exploit the interior space and increase versatility. The contents of the luggage compartment are protected from prying eyes by a sliding cover, level with the side windows. The boot is illuminated by three inside lights and also offers a 12V socket.


Comfort of the facia and controls

The driver of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon is immediately aware of the excellent layout of the instruments, the easy handling and convenience of the controls, which are all turned towards him and grouped by function. The driver's position is built around the 'cockpit', where all the various driving controls are concentrated. The controls for the climate system, radio and navigator, the gear lever and the ignition button are all on the centre console. The circular analogue speedometer and rev counter are linked by a high resolution reconfigurable digital display, and perfect illumination guarantees clear, easy reading of all the instrumentation, particularly at night. And finally, hand position and grip are perfect on the three-spoke steering wheel, even when negotiating difficult situations.


Ignition button

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon features an innovative ignition system comprising an electronic key with three buttons, an electronic key reader on the facia, a starter button next to the electronic key reader, and an electric steering wheel lock on the steering column, where it is inoffensive in a collision. To turn the control panel on and start the engine, the key must be inserted in the reader on the facia, after which, for security reasons, the button has to be pushed together with the clutch and/or brake pedal.


Front and rear seat comfort

The seats on the new Alfa 159 Sportwagon are larger and more comfortable than those on the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon, guaranteeing superb comfort and safety. To enhance comfort even more, and in particular to absorb vibration, an efficient spring system has been incorporated in the front seat cushion, while a modern lumbar support system in the squab supports the back better. Nor must we forget that the front seats are padded with foam that adapts to the occupant's shape. The following adjustments are possible on the front seats: height, with a vertical excursion of 5 cm, reach, squab rake by a knob that provides continuous adjustment, tilting, seat cushion horizontal inclination, and lumbar support.

Electric front seats are available on request (the driver's seat has three memories to personalise the configuration), and the head-restraints are also height-adjustable.
The standard rear seats have a 40/60 split squab that folds down onto the seat. Isofix attachments for one or two child seats are provided on the rear seats, and 3 head-restraints are fitted as standard.


Climatic comfort

The climate inside the car is a major factor of comfort on the road, and it is also important for preventive safety, because the temperature, humidity and ventilation affect the driver's well-being and therefore his attention level. And it is the heating and ventilation system that demists the windscreen and side windows. This is why the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon offers a choice of three climate systems: automatic dual-zone, automatic tri-zone and manual.

The dual-zone and tri-zone systems both feature automatic control of the temperature, airflow, air distribution, compressor engagement and recirculation. On Alfa 159 Sportwagon, both systems incorporate an 'equivalent temperature' climate control strategy. A number of sensors register the indoor and outdoor temperature and evaluate the sensation of thermal well-being perceived by the passenger, i.e. the energy exchange between the human body and the passenger compartment, which is affected by the humidity, the temperature and the flow of treated air. Another sensor, positioned centrally at the base of the windscreen, measures the solar radiation in the vehicle and the angle at which the rays hit the passenger compartment. It can then inform the climate system to ensure that the sun's rays do not cause the interior temperature to climb too high.

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