ALFA ROMEO, famed for its performance engineering, is also keeping pace with the tough European emissions regulations, a fact proven by the introduction of two brand new Euro5-compliant engines in its 159 range.
The engines, a 1750 TBi petrol and 2.0 JTDM diesel are are also available in the sporty Brera and Spider ranges and power a major market pull for the brand that is winning more and more new friends among drivers who want to express individuality and passion in everyday motoring.
I have been driving the TBi 1.7 Elegante six-speed four door saloon which at £22,750 is in the top quarter of the 159 saloon range which sells from £19,950 to £27,800.
This new turbocharged engine develops an impressive 200bhp along with plenty of torque that gives the already exciting 159 a brand new edge to rise to exacting new challenges of the 2010 car marketplace.
This 16-valve twin overhead camshaft unit not only brings keen fuel efficiency to the 159 but lowers CO2 emissions down to 189g/km providing a six-band drop in company car BIK taxation compared to the older 2.2 JTS model.
It is certainly an interesting drive with maximum torque achieved at just 1,400rpm - a little more than a tickover - with maximum power reached between 4,750 and 5,500rpm.
And engineering a cleaner way ahead does not mean that Alfa Romeo engineers have been miserly on performance because the 0-62mph sprint time is a creditable 7.7 seconds and the car tops out at 147mph.
But it is in mid-range flexibility that the TBi really scores. That important acceleration factor of 25-62mph is 11.5 seconds and 37mph to 62mph in sixth gear takes just 8.9 seconds.
Alfa has provided a driver experience with a flat torque curve and consistent delivery of power - perfect for both overtaking and long distance driving. I would expect nothing less from Alfa Romeo.
This is a new generation Alfa that recognises that drivers these days cover a much higher mileage and therefore this model includes a service extension to 21,000 miles.
As far as economy is concerned a combined economy readout of 34mpg is good when you think that this is a fast Alfa and is turbocharged .
In conjunction with the launch of the new engines, Alfa Romeo introduced a revised range structure which now features five trim levels - Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI.
The Elegante version that I drove features the 17 inch sport alloy wheels, Blue&Me communications and audio, sports cloth seats, sports leather steering wheel with remote controls of the Turismo Sport with the addition of rear parking sensors, visibility pack and a luxury interior.
These extras are worth it because with the 159 you are driving one of the best looking cars in its class.
The TBi may bend somewhat towards environmental engineering but for pure Italian style it cannot be beaten.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 159 TBi
Price: £22,750
Mechanical: 200bhp, 1,742cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 147mph
0-62mph: 7.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 142g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles