The forthcoming Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and the Spider, thus completing the range set to take Alfa Romeo into the future.

2006 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon represents a consummate blend of Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sports car, combined with the flexibility of use and versatility of space you would expect from a high class estate. Like the saloon – the total length (4,660 millimetres) is exactly the same – the new model has been given a decidedly sporty look. The sleek lines of the long roof give it a coupé feel, as does the roof spoiler and the edgy aerodynamic styling, while the superbly functional interior offers great load volume. All in all Alfa's 159 Sportwagon guarantees the performance and dynamic handling of a sportscar with a boot in line with that of a station wagon, while also offering a versatility which satisfies the tastes and demands of the modern lifestyle.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is available in 2 or 3 versions (depending on the country), 12 colours and 5 interior colours. It offers three new JTS engines with double continuous variable valve timing (the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, the 185 bhp 2.2 and the 160 bhp 1.9) and three turbodiesel Multijet engines (the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v, the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v and the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM 8v). All of these are fitted with new manual six-speed gearboxes, and some versions also offer an automatic and robotised Selespeed gear lever, also six speed.

2006 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

Also debuting in Geneva is the Alfa Spider. A complex, sophisticated creature which both recalls the glorious Alfa Romeo tradition in this sector (from the Giulietta Spider in the ‘50s to the Duetto and the Nineties model), and rolls out some cutting edge solutions in terms of mechanical specifications and engines.

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater – 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high – characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust terminals which accentuate the impression of great temperament. The interior of the Alfa Spider is inviting and gorgeously sophisticated, thanks to the use of sumptuous materials and added value features (as standard, depending on the version): from the automatic dual-zone climate control to the steering wheel mounted radio controls, from VDC to cruise control. Available in two versions, the client can choose his or her Alfa Spider to be fitted with the sparkling 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine or the powerful 260 bhp 3.2 JTS.

Lastly, both Alfa Romeo models ensure outstanding dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and Multilink at the rear. Along with great ride comfort, the Alfa Spider and Alfa 159 Sportwagon boast a sporty configuration and the use of state of the art ‘Q4’ four wheel drive (available on the 260 bhp 3.2 versions). What’s more – like the saloon version which was recently awarded 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars – the two Alfa Romeo models once more confirm the utmost attention which goes into all aspects regarding safety, as well as offering the most sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic control devices.

2006 Alfa Romeo Spider

WRC Leader Ford Heads To Snowy Sweden
31st January, 2006
Rallye Monte Carlo winner Ford takes its FIA World Rally Championship lead to the Swedish Rally with an opportunity to build on its victorious start to the season ..... more

Two Historic Support Races At Le Mans 2006
30th January, 2006
The support race at the Le Mans 24 Hours has become an jewel in the crown of this endurance event – and one of the world’s greatest historic races ..... more

The 75 Most Significant ’32 Ford Hot Rods
30th January, 2006
After nominating 474 individual cars and completing 3 rounds of balloting, a blue ribbon panel of hot rod authorities has selected America's 75 most significant ’32 Ford hot rods ..... more

Prize-giving ceremony Renault Clio III
30th January, 2006
On Friday, 27th January, 2006, Renault President and CEO Carlos Ghosn was officially handed the Car of the Year 2006 award for Clio III by the President of the Car of the Year Jury, Ray Hutton ..... more

GM Sells More Than 9 Million Vehicles
27th January, 2006
General Motors sold 9.17 million cars and trucks around the world in 2005, up 2 percent from the 8.99 million vehicles sold in 2004 ..... more

Audi R10 Proves To Be A Sensation At Sebring
28th January, 2006
The impresive Audi R10 with a V12 bi-turbo TDI engine, has proven to be a huge sensation at Sebring’s “Winter Test” of the American Le Mans Series ..... more

Caterham Wins Prstigious MIA Award
28th January, 2006
British sportscar manufacturer, Caterham Cars, has received the prestigious Export Achievement Award at the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) Business Excellence Awards 2005 ..... more

Ford Wins 2006 Monte Carlo Rally
23rd January, 2006
Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen claimed a masterful victory on their debut in the new Ford Focus RS World Rally Car on the Rallye Monte Carlo over the weekend ..... more

Peugeot 206 Shaping Up For 2006
23rd January, 2006
The year 2006 is shaping up as a great year for the Peugeot 206. With increased specification and lower prices across the range ..... more

Four Millionth Ford Focus Produced In Europe
22nd January, 2006
The Ford Focus, one of Europe's most popular cars, reached another milestone last week when the four millionth example produced in Europe, a Colorado red, 136 PS TDCi Ford Focus 4-door, was driven off the line at Ford's assembly plant in Valencia, Spain on Thursday ..... more

Volkswagen Passat is Germany's Favourite Car
21st January, 2006
It was a clear-cut decision: more than 320,000 votes were counted in the ADAC (General German Automobile Association) reader's choice awards for the "Gelber Engel 2006" prize. There were 54 models to choose from in the "Cars" category. In the end, the winner was the Volkswagen Passat ..... more

Extra Statesman Luxury Now Standard
20th January, 2006
Statesman buyers receive even more luxury features as standard with the WL series 2006 Statesman International, on sale from this month ..... more

Renault's Limited Edition Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet
20th January, 2006
Renault has released a limited edition version of the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet LX packed with over $1,500 of additional features ..... more

Suzuki Grand Vitara Catches A Wave
20th January, 2006
Suzuki unveiled its Suzuki Wave concept, a specially modified version of the new Suzuki Grand Vitara at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show ..... more

Land Rover G4 Challenge UK Finalists
20th January, 2006
Counting down to one of the world's toughest driving and multi-sport adventure challenges, Scotsman and 2003 Land Rover G4 Challenge veteran, Tim Pickering, last week visited the Land Rover Experience in Dunkeld, Perthshire to administer some gruelling training on the three 2006 UK finalists ..... more

Audi Unveils Dazzling Array of Firsts in Detroit
19th January, 2006
Audi treated visitors to the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with its presentation of three world firsts ..... more

Europe's Mitsubishi Colt CZC coupé-cabriolet
19th January, 2006
Two years after the launch of the Colt hatchback and a year after the introduction of the Colt coupé, Mitsubishi will unveil the third variant of the European Colt family at the 76th Geneva Motor Show: the sporty Colt CZC coupé-cabriolet ..... more

Daewoo's New AWD To Debut At Geneva Motor Show
18th January, 2006
GM has issued the first details of its all-new compact SUV, the Chevrolet Captiva, which makes its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March ..... more

Mazda to Add Second Vehicle Test Track in Japan
18th January, 2006
In early March 2006, Mazda Motor Corporation will establish its second vehicle test track in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to complement its Miyoshi Proving Ground facility ..... more

More Go For Holden's Performance Heroes
17th January, 2006
The most powerful standard engine ever offered by Holden will be installed in all 2006 model year Holden V8 vehicles. A new 6.0-litre alloy engine will deliver 260kW ..... more

Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Sixth Successive Dakar Rally Win
16th January, 2006
Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team driver Luc Alphand and co-driver Gilles Picard clinched victory in the 28th Dakar Rally yesterday (Sunday). The feat marked a record-breaking 11th win for the Japanese automotive manufacturer ..... more

Ford Transit Gets Better
14th January, 2006
The most successful commercial vehicle range in Europe – the Ford Transit – enters a new era in its long and successful life, with a series of extensive improvements to keep it modern and relevant ..... more

Peugeot 207 – The Next Generation
13th January, 2006
Peugeot announces the Peugeot 207, the newest member of the legendary 2 series dynasty. When the Peugeot 206 replaced the legendary Peugeot 205, nobody could have known what a success it was going to be. With over 5.4 million Peugeot 206s produced, it has become the best selling Peugeot ever ..... more

Ford Shelby GT500: Most Powerful Mustang Ever
13th January, 2006
After 40 years, racing legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Mustang are back together with the introduction of America's 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 ..... more

2005: 10th Successive Record Year for Audi
13th January, 2006
Audi was able to set a new record for vehicle sales in 2005 for the tenth year in succession: 829,100 vehicles (2004: 779,441)* were handed over to customers worldwide ..... more

Chevrolet Camaro Concept Car
13th January, 2006
Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans ..... more

Passat "Individual" – Enhanced aesthetics edition
12th January, 2006
Europe's Volkswagen Passat "Individual" combines outstanding design and an exclusive equipment specification. From the outside the special edition already catches the eye with luxury chrome trim and 18-inch alloy wheels ..... more

Mitsubishi Concept CT at NAIAS
12th January, 2006
Mitsubishi has unveiled, at the Detroit Motor Show, the Concept-CT, a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence development of future “Driven to Thrill” Mitsubishi models ..... more

Audi Hits All-Time Record in Australia
12th January, 2006
Audi has recorded an impressive 30 percent growth in sales during 2005, selling more than 4,800 units in Australia ..... more

Morgan 4-seater To Return
11th January, 2006
The Morgan 4-seater is coming back! The new model is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006. The new and significantly revised 4-seater ..... more

Audi Reveals New Roadjet Concept
10th January, 2006
Audi has taken the wraps off a brand new study car, called the Audi Roadjet Concept, at the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit ..... more

Mazda Kabura Concept Car
10th January, 2006
At this year’s Detroit Motor Show, Mazda is presenting Kabura, a compact sports coupe, to explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models ..... more

Aston Martin Rapide Concept Car
10th January, 2006
The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a four-door, high performance coupé of remarkable grace and poise. Based on Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company's commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality ..... more

A Decade Of Holden Commodore Leadership
9th January, 2006
Holden has finished 2005 with Australia’s best selling car for the 10th consecutive year, the most popular passenger car range and most popular light truck range ..... more

Volkswagen GX3 Concept - Car Or Bike?
8th January, 2006
In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Motor Show, Volkswagen presented the GX3 – a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Centre in California, exclusively with the U.S. in mind ..... more

20 Years Of Saab Convertibles
8th January, 2006
Saab is raising the roof, celebrating two decades of convertible sales success by introducing an eye-catching 20th anniversary model, the Saab 9-3 Convertible Cerulean edition ..... more

Lamborghini Miura Concept For Detroit
6th January, 2006
The House of the Raging Bull has brought back a legendary historical name with the introduction of its Lamborghini Miura Concept car, which will be shown at the Detroit Motor Show this month ..... more

New Car Sales Record For 2005
5th January, 2006
Australians bought more cars and trucks in 2005 than ever before to set an all-time annual motor vehicle sales record of 988,269 ..... more

Hummer: Here In A Year
1st January, 2006
The H3 is about a year away from its Australian release. The 5-cylinder SUV will provide Holden with another 4WD model ..... more