Alfa Romeo 159

Understandably, the 159 looks like a bigger, chunkier 156 - itself a fair success when it was launched. However, the original didn't turn out to be quite the BMW rival hoped for. A beautiful body was no use when the car broke down...

This time, Alfa is promising reliability, and revamping its dealer network to coincide with the 159's UK debut next February. That way, it will get the start it deserves. Top of the range is the 3.2-litre Q4 version driven here. Powered by a 260bhp V6 and four-wheel drive, it has enjoyed the benefit of an intensive test programme at Germany's notorious Nürburgring. It will be joined by a 1.9-litre model with 160bhp, a 185bhp 2.2 and two turbodiesels boasting 150bhp (1.9-litre) or 200bhp (2.4 five-cylinder).

Alfa's new 'Premium' platform underpins the 159, and will be used for the upcoming Brera coupé, too. Virtually nothing is carried over from the 156, and the petrol engines - all with variable inlet and exhaust timing - are based on General Motors' designs with Alfa-originated cylinder heads.

The Giugiaro-styled body is handsome and adopts an imposing stance. Its tough shoulder line is enhanced from the 156, although the concealed rear door handles have been ditched. Inside, the cabin has a chunkier, higher-quality feel, more space, extra air vents and a starter button. But while the seats and driving position are very comfortable, there are still flaws. The handbrake has been positioned to the right of the centre tunnel, hard up against the chair. Frankly, it is a bit of a mess! We also tried the 2.2-litre 159 which, as with the V6, has direct injection. And despite their GM genes, both petrol engines feel and sound like proper Alfa units.

The 2.2 has a crisp exhaust note, revs freely and pulls strongly from low speeds. The V6 is very tuneful, and feels powerful and smooth. On top of that, it has a great high-revs wail. Of the diesels, we drove the 2.4 JTD, which is torquey, long-legged and surprisingly refined. All 159s have six-speed manual transmission, while Selespeed sequential boxes are optional. Do these cars handle well? You bet! Pick of the bunch, not surprisingly, is the all-wheel-drive Q4 V6. Through corners its capable chassis feels assured, and there are huge amounts of grip on offer. Pushed hard, it seems almost rear-driven. The 2.4 JTD is nearly as good but not quite so agile, with its front-wheel drive (4WD is optional) and heavy nose.

Less weight on the leading wheels makes the 2.2 keener into corners at the expense of a more fidgety ride and reduced steering feel. All variants cope with bumps better than a 156, though. The steering response is still ultra-quick, but it is more progressive and the turning circle - woeful in the previous-generation cars - is usefully tighter.

So has Alfa finally created a model that will leave the BMW 3-Series bloodied? It is a tough call. Although the Italian certainly has the style and performance, reliability will not be proven overnight and buyer confidence will take time to build. However, the 159 is definitely a step forward from the 156; we cannot wait to drive one in the UK.