Look Sharp - 157 'Brers' All

It's difficult to replace a car that looks great to start with - but it seems the design team at Alfa Romeo has done a pretty convincing job.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

16th September 2004

Caught testing in Sicily by our spy photographers in this week's mag, it's the best preview yet of the executive 157saloon. Even in disguise, the mag's pictures show the front end of the newcomer is inspired by the Brera concept car, first seen at 2002's Geneva Motor Show.

Alfa's deep shield grille is flanked by triple headlights on both sides, while narrow lenses at the rear also resemble those of the sporty prototype.

In profile, the 157 is immediately recognisable as an evolution of the current 156, and has similar dimensions. But the new car is taller, with deeper doors and thicker C-pillars. Our images also reveal how the current model's hidden rear door handles have been replaced by conventional ones.

New engines will debut in the car, including a derivative of the 1.9-litre Multijet diesel co-developed with Fiat and Vauxhall, plus an all-new 2.2-litre JTS petrol powerplant. Inside, we have learned that the dashboard will feature a starter button and a system that recognises the presence of the key in the driver's pocket or bag. The newcomer will make its debut at March's Geneva Motor Show, before appearing on British forecourts early next summer.