Lee Nian Tjoe: In the recent years, the devil’s vomit has been heralded as some kind of miracle fuel. Diesel engines boast of incredulous efficiency and range, clean burning, blah-blah-blah. These are great attributes, and diesels make sense for run-of-the-mill econoboxes. But Alfa Romeos are bought for emotional reasons rather than rational ones.
Alfa has given the 159 an engine start button. With the JTDM, instead of a sonorous bellow of the animal coming to life – and its pulse emanating through the sounds and light vibrations – after you push it, it just clatters, like an ape clattering its teeth in the cold. Think about it: How can what’s regarded as a “playboy’s car” chase skirts with such an uncool noise? With diesel engines (the Alfa included) being designed to redline at just 4500rpm, it just isn’t much fun.
Still harping on the low redline: Besides not having the pleasure of revving an Italian engine hard, the narrow rev range doesn’t allow much opportunity to downshift and rely on engine braking. No wonder the 159JTDM doesn’t come with shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
If Alfa Romeo made their cars less like sexy sirens and more like lunch tiffins, then they can put in fresh methane for all I care.
Lynn Tan: Even though the Alfa is not spared the diesel clatter, do not be too quick to banish it. When you get past your heart and mull it over, a diesel Alfa actually begins to make a lot of sense. Alfas have always had a reputation for being gas-guzzlers. So a diesel engine, with its higher fuel efficiency and better mileage, is just the thing to change that repute.
Diesel engines are beginning to shed the commercial vehicle stigma here and are no longer a “loser” option, which makes the diesel-Alfa association a much more palatable one. In fact, combined with a turbocharger, the Alfa 159 JTDM makes for a quick and fun drive.
Another point in the diesel Alfa’s favour is, of course, environmental. Unlike earlier generation diesels that smell foul and cause pollution, diesel technology has improved by leaps and bounds. This makes it a cleaner and greener alternative to petrol, not to mention an environmentally-responsible way to enjoy your Alfa.
It is more a matter of mindset than anything else when it comes to diesel Alfas. A diesel engine may have its inherent “shortcomings”, but at least with the Alfa Romeo, the engine delivers the driving pleasure. And it still sings when pushed. But if you still find the combination somewhat difficult to accept, just look at it this way: Even supercars are jumping on the diesel bandwagon (the Audi R8 TDI V12). So, what’s so wrong about a diesel Alfa?
Alfa Romeo 159 JTDM
ENGINE: 1910cc, 16-valves, inline-4 turbocharged diesel
MAX POWER: 150bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE: 320Nm at 2000rpm
GEARBOX: 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H: 9.5 seconds
TOP SPEED: 209km/h
CONSUMPTION: 14.1km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE: Unavailable
