ALFA Romeo's 156 is pure Italian stallion. A sleek, stylish body combines gloriously with muscles and power to produce a marvellous driving experience.
The original 156 was launched in 1997 - but the version I drove was the 2.4 JTD Multijet, launched as part of last year's restyle of the range.
Giorgetto Giugiaro - voted designer of the century by more than 120 journalists - carried out the re-design and the results are fantastic. The 156, of which there are no fewer than 22 versions, is a clean, stylish machine both outside and in.
The exterior retains its good looks but has been given a more menacing air. Horizontal lines at the front converge on the grille to increase the 156's sense of potency.
The grille itself is also larger and reshaped. The lower part of the bumper, meanwhile, has been reduced in width to increase the sporty, assertive feel.
Italian car-builder Alfa describes it as a medium-size sports saloon but, believe me, this car is large. I found the external dimensions somewhat misleading, especially when it came to avoiding nudging the nose into another car's rear.
Crawling up my local High Street one morning, I completely misjudged the length of the bonnet and managed to push it - ever so gently - into the back of a 4x4.
Thankfully there was no damage to either vehicle. The other driver even refrained from hitting me, although I did have my doubts when I saw him leap out of his car to see what I was playing at.
The interior of the 156 is a delight, too. It has a feel of genuine quality about it - both to the touch and visually with lots of black leather and chrome effect to drool over. There are lots of funky, retro-style dials to cast your eye over as well.
There's plenty of space inside the 156 and the driving position is sporty and low down. The view of the road is still good, though, apart from not being able to see the end of the bonnet which points sharply towards the ground.
But I've saved the best bit until last - the performance.
The 175bhp diesel engine fires the 156 from start to 62mph in a little more than eight seconds - and it actually feels quicker. Pulling power is tremendous and you feel yourself being pinned back in your seat as the car accelerates.
Being a diesel, economy is quite impressive at more than 42 mpg combined. Fuel emissions are on the lower side too.
So there we have it, the 156 is a lean, mean, driving machine.
Don't just take my word for it - this is a car which has scooped more than 36 international awards. Deserves 'em all.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD Lusso
Price: £20,850
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2,387cc, 5cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 6 speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 8.3secs
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance Group: 16
CO2 emissions: 175g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint