When it comes to choosing a compact executive saloon, the usual German models such as the BMW’s 3-Series and Mercedes Benz’s C-Class come to mind. For those who prefer not to follow the crowd but yet still want to own a non-Japanese car, the Alfa Romeo 159 is a fine option.

First introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, the 159 is an eagerly anticipated replacement for the successful 156. It was a good thing that the then Alfa CEO, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell–formerly of BMW and Rolls- Royce–did what he could to ensure that the 159 be as good as it can be, with the hope that the gap between the Italian and its German rivals in the lucrative compact executive saloon segment can be reduced.

Though the styling of the 159 is a joint effort between famed Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and Alfa’s own design centre, Centro Stile, it still shares quite a bit with the still-appealing 156.

Sitting proudly up front is the traditional Alfa cloverleaf V-shaped grille, flanked by a pair of scowling headlamps. The bonnet continues the V-shape theme from the grille, hinting at the potential of the powerplant beneath it. Strong shoulders and a high waistline equip the handsome 159 with a lean, purposeful stance. The cleverly concealed rear door handles from the 156 have been ditched.

All these cues come together with an overall sensuous form to give the 159 its handsome looks–something that enables this sporting saloon to hold its head up high among its relatively mundane-looking rivals.

Inside the cabin, the 159 is not too dissimilar to the model it replaces. This means that the stylish instrumentation still has its cowled binnacle, while the three sunken, angled auxiliary gauges are still being housed in the canted centre console. The quality of materials used in the interior is actually rather good. The controls, not only nicely damped but also looking decently nice, are ergonomically positioned with easy reach of the driver.

The driving position, though not perfect, is now no longer like before–where the driver was assumed to have long arms and short legs. Seats are comfortable and supportive, even for extended journeys. Space is adequate at both the front and rear, except that the headroom might be a little lacking for taller passengers. Trunk space is fairly good at 405 litres, easily swallowing two golf bags. The interesting thing is the strange position of the boot release button–
up on the roof console.

Built on an entirely new platform, the 159 benefits from a newly designed front double-wishbone suspension and a sophisticated multi-link arrangement. Dimension-wise, the 159 is bigger than its predecessor in practically all aspects: 225mm longer and 85mm wider. The wheelbase has also been increased to 2,595mm –105mm longer than the 156.

Engines available locally are the 2.2-litre JTS inline four and the 3.2-litre JTS V6, both with direct fuel injection, mated to a 5-speed Selespeed gearbox and a 6-speed Q-Tronic automatic transmission respectively. The former sees the 185bhp and 230Nm delivered to the front wheels, while the 260bhp and 322Nm on the latter is sent to all four wheels via Alfa’s very own all-wheel-drive system, the Q4. Both engines emit a genuinely delicious roar when revved.

On the road, the 159 proves itself to be a responsive and eager drive, with the V6 Q4 being the more fluid of the two. Handling is close to neutral, thanks to the hardworking Torsen-C centre differential of the Q4 that distributes torque to the rear wheels, should under-steering starts to set in. Steering is very quick, but more feedback and a little more weight will not go amiss.

In terms of ride comfort, this compact executive feels much improved over the 156; taut yet pliant. The damping is well judged, allowing the springs to work to their fullest potential, be it while tackling corners or just cruising the KPE. Road and wind noise is adequately low to not present themselves as annoyances.

It has been almost three years since the 159 was launched, and yet, it is still refreshing to look at. It might not be as dynamically good as the 3-Series, or as well-rounded as a C-Class, but it certainly can count on its looks and numerous unique points to make it a truly enticing proposition for those who can appreciate its differentiation to the usual suspects in the compact executive saloon segment.