IF it came to just looks and beautiful styling when choosing a car, then the impossibly good looking Alfa range would surely be near the top of the tree every time.
It has often been the case with Alfa, stunning looking cars, let down by poor quality finish and residual values.
It didn't seem to matter that much to Alfa enthusiasts, but that has all changed in recent years.
Build quality is up there with the best with newer models undercutting the opposition, sometimes quite substantially.
Five-star safety ratings are now common and with cars like the stunning 159, seven airbags are standard.
For the potential buyer then, the 159 must look a million dollars on the garage forecourt with signature twin headlamp clusters, pretty alloys and deep, shield like grille and smooth, sweeping lines to a stylish rear end.
And with two brand new engines and a revamp of trim levels, it is more attractive than ever.
The 159 now offers a new turbocharged petrol engine, the 1.8 TBi and a new diesel the 2.0 JTD, which will also be available for the Brera and Spider models later in the year.
The new 200bhp petrol engine fitted in the test model offers tremendous pace and acceleration, together with improved economy and lower CO2 emissions.
The TBi brings better fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions down to 189g/km, which in turn drops it six bands in the company car benefit in kind taxation compared to the older 2.2 JTS engine.
Fuel economy of just under 35mpg is excellent for this type of car. It accelerates well, the new powerplant propels the Alfa from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 147mph. Mid-range acceleration is also brisk and makes overtaking a lot safer.
The two litre JTDM also delivers better fuel efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions.
It develops 170bhp available at just 4,000rpm and covers the 0-62mph sprint in just 8.8 seconds - less than one second off the pace of the more powerful 2.4 JTDM engine, on its way to a top speed of 136mph.
CO2 emissions have been reduced to 142g/km.
The new range structure comprises Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI.
Turismo Sport offers 17-inch sport alloy wheels, Blue&Me connectivity, sports seat cloth, sports leather steering wheel with remote audio controls and and sports dials. Up the range, the new Elegante trim adds rear parking sensors, visibility pack and the luxury Alfatex interior.
It looks good and feels good inside as well. The interior has always had plenty of chic but now it feels solid and long-lasting. The leather interior on the test model feels reassuringly expensive dash and instrument panel has the look of a cockpit.
It may still not quite match the German luxury car leaders like BMW and Audi, but you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. The car is roomy for front seat passengers, but it is tight in the rear.
Boot space is a bit miserly compared to some, with 405-litres available in the saloon but there is split rear seat option to increase cargo space.
It is a sporty model and ride and handling are good with plenty of traction available when cornering. The six-speed box is also smooth and slick.
The car is well equipped, packed with safety gear and standard extras that make it a much cheaper option the equivalent luxury European compact executives.
Safety gear includes front, side, and curtain airbags and driver's knee bag while traction control is standard. The cars scores the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests to give peace of mind to purchasers.
Style, panache, pace and economy and now excellent build quality. Alfa has certainly upped its game.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 159 1.8 TBi Elegante 4dr
Price: £22,750
Mechanical: 200bhp, 1,742cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 147mph
0-62mph: 7.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: n/a
CO2 emissions: 189/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage