Alfa Romeo 159

Wednesday December 14

Could Italy's most famous sporty saloon be better than Germany's? Alfa says its 159 - the eagerly anticipated replacement for the 156 - has got what it takes to finally beat the BMW 3-Series; and there is good reason for the firm's optimism.

Could Italy's most famous sporty saloon be better than Germany's? Alfa says its 159 - the eagerly anticipated replacement for the 156 - has got what it takes to finally beat the BMW 3-Series; and there is good reason for the firm's optimism. Understandably, the 159 looks like a bigger, chunkier 156 - itself a fair success when it was launched. However, the original didn't turn out to be quite the BMW rival hoped for. A beautiful body was no use when the car broke down... This time, Alfa is promising reliability, and revamping its dealer network to coincide with the 159's UK debut next February. That way, it will get the start it deserves. Top of the range is the 3.2-litre Q4 version driven here. Powered by a 260bhp V6 and four-wheel drive, it has enjoyed the benefit of an intensive test programme at Germany's notorious Nürburgring. It will be joined by a 1.9-litre model with 160bhp, a 185bhp 2.2 and two turbodiesels boasting 150bhp (1.9-litre) or 200bhp (2.4 five-cylinder). Alfa's new 'Premium' platform underpins the 159, and will be used for the upcoming Brera coupé, too. Virtually nothing is carried over from the 156, and the petrol engines - all with variable inlet and exhaust timing - are based on General Motors' designs with Alfa-originated cylinder heads. The Giugiaro-styled body is handsome and adopts an imposing stance. Its tough shoulder line is enhanced from the 156, although the concealed rear door handles have been ditched. Inside, the cabin has a chunkier, higher-quality feel, more space, extra air vents and a starter button.

But while the seats and driving position are very comfortable, there are still flaws. The handbrake has been positioned to the right of the centre tunnel, hard up against the chair. Frankly, it is a bit of a mess! We also tried the 2.2-litre 159 which, as with the V6, has direct injection. And despite their GM genes, both petrol engines feel and sound like proper Alfa units. The 2.2 has a crisp exhaust note, revs freely and pulls strongly from low speeds. The V6 is very tuneful, and feels powerful and smooth. On top of that, it has a great high-revs wail.

Of the diesels, we drove the 2.4 JTD, which is torquey, long-legged and surprisingly refined. All 159s have six-speed manual transmission, while Selespeed sequential boxes are optional. Do these cars handle well? You bet! Pick of the bunch, not surprisingly, is the all-wheel-drive Q4 V6.

Through corners its capable chassis feels assured, and there are huge ... Next Page