The all-new Alfa 159, a sporting saloon in the classic Alfa Romeo tradition, has gone on sale. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the Alfa 159 combines superlative engineering with outstanding performance and handling characteristics appropriate to the pedigree of one of the world's most famous sporting marques.

The 159 is built on a brand new platform making it one of the toughest cars around with a best-in-class torsional rigidity. In terms of safety, it has recently been awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The 159 is equipped with eight airbags, seven of which are standard equipment, including special bags to protect the knees, and sidebags that extend all along the complete window area. In addition, there are innovative restraint systems (pre-tensioners and load limiters on the seatbelts), and front seats with an anti-whiplash system that automatically brings the head restraint closer to the occupant's neck in the event of a rear impact.

Three new direct injection petrol engines – 1.9 litre 160bhp and 2.2 litre 185bhp 4-cylinder units, and a 3.2 litre 260bhp V6 – combine the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) direct injection technology of Alfa Romeo with continuously variable valve timing, (both inlet and exhaust), for the first time.

Three diesel engine options complete the range and exemplify the company’s on-going pre-eminence in the field of diesel technology: a 1.9 litre 16 valve 150bhp 4-cylinder unit, a 1.9 litre eight valve 120bhp and a 2.4 litre 20 valve 200bhp five-cylinder powerplant, all of which feature the company’s renowned JTD MultiJet common rail direct injection systems.

The diesel units also feature variable geometry turbocharging, and incorporate a “for life”, maintenance-free particulate trap (DPF) in anticipation of Euro five emissions regulations.

All engines are mated to smooth and precise six-speed manual gearboxes. Six-speed automatic transmissions are also available.

As with all Alfa Romeo cars, the interior is focused on the driver’s immediate surroundings, which have been designed with an emphasis on ergonomic functionality.