Alfa Romeo 149 spied

A stealthily-clad Alfa Romeo 149 has been snapped by our spies while out and about in Turin. Due to go on sale this summer, the successor to the nine year-old 147 will face strong competition in the form of the recently revised VW Golf and the new Vauxhall Astra.

At 4.3 metres long the 149 is only 100mm shorter than the old Alfa 156 saloon, and is set to come in five-door guise only. Based on the familiar Bravo platform, the 149 might be a Fiat underneath yet clearly has Alfa blood.

The pictures reveal compact front lights, similar to those of the MiTo and a stubby front end. The rear of the car features protruding round brake lights, again similar to the MiTo, with further LEDs across the boot lid, not dissimilar to those of the 159.

The 149 will feature a six-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic provided as an option. Power is expected to come from 1.4-litre petrol turbo and 1.9 diesel units ranging from 120bhp to 250bhp. Hot versions will get the Q2 diff to maximise traction.

Available in both three and five-door bodystyles, the new Alfa is due to go on sale early next year, with prices starting at around £16,500.