We have already established that the new Alfa 159 is a rather becoming vehicle. It has the sort of macho lines you’d expect from this performance-driven Italian marque and, while I felt that the 2,2-litre engine was eager enough, for those who crave a little more vooma, the 159 didn’t have a model that inspired respect — until now that is.
The recently launched Q4 gives the 159 range an edginess that is most welcome. The flagship comes with a 3,2-litre V6 engine that pushes out 191kW of power and 322Nm of torque, with a host of safety features to keep things in check, such as ABS, EBD, traction control and seven airbags.
With this amount of power and torque, you would expect the car to be a blistering performer, but because of its weight (about 1 800kg), the Q4 isn’t blow-your-hair-back fast. Don’t get me wrong, the Q4 is a very fast car that accelerates quickly and maintains a certain amount of composure at high speeds, but it’s not as punchy as you would expect. Purists might want just a little more excitement out of a flagship Alfa, but I was completely satisfied with the Q4’s performance.
The Q4 is a four-wheel drive and, as such, the road-holding and overall feel is one that inspires confidence. You get the feeling that you could push the Q4 to its limit and it wouldn’t even break a sweat.
The unusually quiet engine further enforces that the Q4 is meant to be a more refined performer and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. On the open road is where you appreciate the car’s focus on poise and you become quite thankful for Alfa not giving in to the temptation of making yet another uncomfortable speed demon.
The Q4 is currently available with a six-speed gearbox and an automatic version is expected early next year.
Inside, most of the features are of a suitably high level, but the absence of two particular features are noticable. Considering the price tag of R376 000, the Q4 really should have electric seats and the option for satellite navigation. Even Toyota has come around to the idea of sat-nav and it is now an option on the recently released Avensis — leaving little excuse for such an expensive car not to have these features.
Despite this, the Q4 was sufficiently impressive to get my vote as a thoroughly enjoyable and exceedingly driveable flagship model.
It comes with a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan with service intervals every 30 000km and it is covered by AA roadside assistance for the first year.