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.

...are huge amounts of grip on offer. Pushed hard, it seems almost rear-driven. The 2.4 JTD is nearly as good but not quite so agile, with its front-wheel drive (4WD is optional) and heavy nose. Less weight on the leading wheels makes the 2.2 keener into corners at the expense of a more fidgety ride and reduced steering feel. All variants cope with bumps better than a 156, though. The steering response is still ultra-quick, but it is more progressive and the turning circle - woeful in the previous-generation cars - is usefully tighter. So has Alfa finally created a model that will leave the BMW 3-Series bloodied? It is a tough call. Although the Italian certainly has the style and performance, reliability will not be proven overnight and buyer confidence will take time to build. However, the 159 is definitely a step forward from the 156; we cannot wait to drive one in the UK.
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