Alfa Romeo 159 has been slightly tweaked and comes with a new diesel five-cylinder engine. Photo Gallery
There are those who think the list stops with two or three brands when it comes to mid-size prestige cars.
The Germans have a stranglehold on the market but for those who look for flair not completely at the expense of function probably end up staring into the beautiful face of an Alfa Romeo 159.
Such aesthetic excellence has not been altered - it doesn't really need to be - for this year, but the model range has been tweaked and the new diesel five-cylinder offered.
The upgrades beneath the skin include a 20mm-lower sports suspension tune that has endowed the 159 with nicer road manners - a sharper steering response without a shattering of the ride quality was a welcome sensation during our time in the car.
The Ti also comes to a halt in short order thanks to standard Brembo stoppers.
The new top-end diesel model is the JTD-m 2.4 Q-tronic Ti, which sits on 19in wheels that finally fill the guards of the 159 out the way they should be.
Driving
It's a little incongruous that the low-slung look is accompanied by the Ti badge, but once warm it's less obviously a diesel powerplant.
With 400Nm on offer - a competitive torque figure in the segment - teamed to a six-speed auto, the Ti is swift once the turbo has spooled up and the pressure is on.
The auto is not the slickest or quickest six-speed transmission despite software upgrades, but the drivetrain offers unfussed progress.
It's only the noise that isn't perhaps up to par, perhaps a little more engine bay insulation might solve the problem.
As is the case with most Alfas, the cabin is snug and room, particularly in the rear leg and head-space, is at a premium.
The seating is comfortable and supportive laterally, moreso than it looks.
The model update has also given the instrument panel and centre console an overhaul, although the deep-set nature of the gauges remains intact - some things just need not be changed.
Price: from $62,990.
Engine: 2.4-litre DOHC 20-valve five-cylinder, front-wheel drive.
Transmission: six-speed manual or automatic.
Power: 154kW @ 4000rpm.
Torque: 400Nm @ 2000rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 8.4 seconds. Top speed 224km/h (governed).
Fuel consumption: 7litres/100km, tank 70litres.
Emissions: 215g/km.
