Company description: Brings Ferrari-like motoring soul to the masses, but reliability problems means it always falls short of the mark. Fresh new Brera and 159 have bought the new range pizzazz.

TG Survey result: Alfa has climbed even further from its old haunt at the bottom of the table. Now sitting at 22 out of 35 makers. For more info go to the Top Gear survey.

Trophy cabinet: A couple of European Car of the Years can't be bad. First for the 156 in 1998 and more recently for the 147 in 2001. Mind you, there've been none from us.

• Alfa Romeo GT

  Comely coupe that claims to seat five. Make sure three are small. And make doubly sure you stay away from anything with a Selespeed transmission, or you'll go mad

• Alfa Romeo 159

  There are loads of positives about the 159. It looks brilliant, there's a cracking diesel engine available and it might, just might, not fall apart like the old 156.

• Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider

  The Brera is a car that will sell on its fabulous looks alone, which is handy for Alfa, because it's cramped on the inside and not terribly impressive to drive; the Spider should become the choice for poseurs all over the land

• Alfa Romeo 147

  Alfa's Golf rival has had a makeover. Jolting suspension, but otherwise the best of Italy: gorgeous styling, sexy engine and good value if you don't go for the top spec 147