THERE'S something about Italians and style. The architecture, cut of their clothes, the way they play football and of course motor car design.
Names synonymous with elegance - Versace, Maldini, Ferrari, Loren and one perhaps less widely appreciated, Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The latter was last summer voted Designer of the Century by 120-odd international journalists. He's also responsible for the new-look Alfa Romeo 156.
Not that this mid-size sports saloon was anything short of a serious head-turner in the first place. It just looks even more sporty and potent now.
Among the best of the seven engine range - three of which are diesel - is the two-litre JTS, the world's most powerful direct injection petrol unit.
It's a magnificent powerplant. One that, according to Alfa, "produces the perfect mix" and takes its name, Jet Thrust Stoichiometric, from its combustion system.
There's loads of punch, yet under 1,500revs it operates a leanburn system, which equals fuel savings. Nor does the JTS hit the red line until 7,000revs, so the power just keeps on flowing.
So pleased is the company with the way JTS engine has been received that it will be included in the gorgeous new Alfa GT being launched imminently.
But the 156 is a very sexy range in its own right. It's a saloon with coupe styling, right down to rear door handles cleverly hidden in the window frame, instruments that gape at you from deep cowls and back lights that stretch across into the rear panel.
The interior is as Italian as Juventus or Lazio, right down to the Benzina and Acqua signs on the dials, the chrome highlights and badged steering wheel.
The body-hugging sports seats are comfortable, driving position among the best and the five-speed gearshift positive.
While officially a five-seater, I wouldn't fancy travelling too far in the rear centre. Nor do the back seats fold, so there's no scope for expanding what's already a pretty cramped boot.
But these are the only criticisms I can aim at the 156. It may have been around for six years but it's still a magnificent motor.
And it's a safe one too. While window airbags like inflated curtains are standard on all versions, active safety now includes Vehicle Dynamic Control on all bar the GTA.
It's a system that comes into play in emergencies and keeps the car stable even when the driver swerves violently or starts to take a bend too fast.
Kit like dual zone climate control, Infocentre, alloy wheels, alarm, specially calibrated CD player with controls on the steering wheel, front foglamps and six airbags comes with every version.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 156 JTS Veloce
Price: £18,585
Mechanical: 165bhp, 1,970cc, 4-cyl direct injection petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.2 secs
Combined mpg: 32.8
Insurance Group: 14
CO2 emissions: 205g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint