Performance

There are three petrol engines available for the Alfa Romeo 159, a 160bhp 1.9, a 185bhp 2.2 and a 260bhp 3.2 V6. All are derived from the latest excellent Vauxhall/Saab fours and V6, but they have Alfa's own cylinder heads with unique direct-injection technology for clean power and variable phasing on all camshafts for better torque and emissions. Floor the 2.2-litre JTS engine and it spins beautifully with lots of lowdown torque. It sounds really encouraging, and is well matched to the short, precise six-speed. The diesels are Alfa's terrific four-valve JTDs. The 150bhp 1.9 is fine, but the 200bhp 5cyl, 2.4 is stonking.

Driving

Get cracking on a difficult road and you find steering that's direct and accurate, if a bit dead, and a chassis that helps you with bags of grip and fine handling. Body movements are well checked when the road dips and crests too. The ride is very busy, though, sending the car into the occasional shuddery spasm - just a small-amplitude motion, but a really annoying one. The 3.2 V6 Q4 (Alfa-speak for 4WD) actually has a smoother ride, and it corners more like an Impreza than an Alfa: full of life and feedback. But it's a silly 250kg heavier than the four-cylinder, so doesn't quite feel its 260bhp. Take comfort from the sounds, though. This is a really endearing car, and as good in the wet as the dry.

Space

Front seats are fine, though rear room isn't at all brilliant. But ditto a 3-Series and people still buy those in droves. However, there is 25mm more height in the front and 28mm more height in the rear over the Alfa Romeo 156. There's also more shoulder room too. The boot is a decent size at 405 litres, which is 27 litres more than the previous model.

Performance

Inside, the 159 is sensibly ergonomic where needed, and full-on beautiful Alfa where conditions permit - the triple gauges in the centre console say not 'petrol', 'water' and 'oil' but 'benzina', 'acqua' and 'olio'. It feels much stronger than Alfas of old, but only time will tell if it's BMW-strong.

Safety

The Alfa Romeo 159 is bristling with both active and passive safety equipment. Seven airbags are standard plus anti-lock brakes, traction control and brake force distribution. Crashtesters at NCAP gave it the maximum five stars.

Equipment

All cars come with alloys, CD player cruise and climate control. Leather is standard on the best of just two trim levels, but sat nav stays an option.

Owning

Will be on a par with its German rivals, but depreciation will still be poor until consumers stop worrying about Alfa's sometimes patchy reliability. Clean engines mean low company car tax.

Value

By starting at over £20,000, the 159's prices are comparable with those of its BMW, Lexus and Jaguar rivals.

Verdict

Great to look at and even better to drive, the Alfa Romeo 159 may just be the car that finally tempts BMW drivers away from their 3-Series. If the Italian firm has sorted out its reliability gremlins, it's onto a winner with this car.

Fancy something bigger?

Sportwagon

Only Alfa could design an estate as beautiful as this, yet it's reasonably practical too. The Sportwagon offers 445 litres of loadspace below the retractable luggage cover, and an impressive 1,235 litres overall. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat.

Alfa Romeo 159 rivals
BMW 3-Series
Volkswagen Passat

Other Alfa Romeo Models
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo 147
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider
Alfa Romeo GT
Alfa Romeo 159 road tests
Alfa Romeo 159 - August 1, 2005