Alfa news - Alfa 159's safety boost - 2006

Alfa Romeo's new small executive 159 has gained a full five-star rating in Euro-NCAP crash safety tests.

Alfa attributes the top rating for occupant safety to the 159 body's incredible stiffness and standard seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees.

The 159 scored four stars for child protection and one star for pedestrian protection.

The Alfa 159 goes on sale in the UK in mid-February.