Both climate systems can provide two different temperatures and airflows simultaneously: one on the right of the passenger compartment, and another on the left. In the case of the tri-zone system, even rear seat passengers can adjust their air temperature and flow independently.

In addition to the standard sensors that measure outdoor and indoor temperatures, the Alfa 159 Sportwagon also offers an AQS Air Quality Sensor that verifies air quality. It means that passengers on the new model will always breathe clean air, even in town traffic, tailbacks and tunnels. This device controls the recirculation function, which is triggered automatically to block the input of outdoor air into the car in areas where the smog level is high.


The hands-free voice recognition system

Developed jointly by Fiat Auto and Microsoft, the system, which is based on Windows Mobile technology, changes the communications, information and entertainment models in the car, improving the comfort and quality of the time spent on board.

The device is extremely simple to use, and allows you to receive / make telephone calls and to listen to music simply and safely as you drive. And thanks to Bluetooth technology, you can also communicate with the outside world from the car using your own personal mobile phone or HDA.

The system on offer will be supplemented in future with more evolved devices giving access to the many novelties that technological progress has in store for the coming years: from a complete multimedia system to satellite navigation. In addition to which there is a whole range of services that will make all your journeys more comfortable, safer and easier.


How it works

The device offered on the Alfa 159 Sportwagon incorporates a sophisticated hands-free system with voice recognition that enhances driving safety and respects the law because the driver can use the system without taking his hands off the wheel. The system allows drivers with a Bluetooth mobile phone to use the telephone even if it is in a jacket or a bag, automatically lowering the radio volume (when this is on) and routing the interlocutor's voice through the stereo speakers. The system is also extremely compatible with all cell phones currently on the market and can be updated to comply with new standards and future telephones.

The hands-free function on Alfa 159 Sportwagon is built into the car and the control keys are positioned on the steering wheel for immediate, safe access to the system; the driver can find a number in his phone book by scrolling the control panel display, or 'mute' the call for confidentiality.

One interesting feature is the fact that the mobile phone only has to be registered with the system once. It is also possible to transfer one's personal phone book to the car, automatically updating it every time the system recognises a cell phone. Privacy is guaranteed because access is only granted to the phone book if the telephone registered with the system is in the car.

The number or name of the caller is shown on the display if it is in the phone book and the number can be called 'vocally' by dictating the numbers or pronouncing the name if it has been memorised.

The evolved voice recognition process means that the voice does not have to be 'learned', and the device is able to memorise up to 5 cell phones at the same time, allowing immediate use of the hands-free system by several users of the same car; and programming can obviously be modified whenever it is necessary. And finally, the hands-free system with voice recognition can also reproduce a 'personal' call tone using the radio speakers.

These are the features of the hands-free system with voice recognition, but the innovative Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon offers more: it allows the motorist to listen to his favourite music when it is recorded on a mobile phone, one of the new smart phones, on an MP3 player or on a USB pen drive. This is made possible by a USB port positioned in the glove compartment, to which any digital device with a similar connection can be connected, and musical audio files (MP3, WMA and WAV) can be reproduced directly through the stereo system. And because all the information is visible on the instrument panel display, the client can scroll through the system archive (divided by type, album, artist, etc.) either vocally or using the steering wheel controls, and select the piece he wants to listen to using the same controls.

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