A Romeo to fall in love with; Alfa's build quality and safety finally match up to the good looks the marque is famous for, discovers PATRICK JAMES.

Byline: PATRICK JAMES

IF it came to just looks and beautiful styling when choosing a car, then the impossibly good-looking Alfa range would be near the top of the tree every time. But the stunning cars have often been let down in the past by poor quality finish and residual values. It didn't seem to matter that much to Alfa enthusiasts, but that has all changed in recent years. Build quality is up there with the best as newer models undercut the opposition, sometimes substantially. Five-star safety ratings are now common and with cars like the stunning 159, seven airbags are standard.

For the potential buyer then, the 159 must look a million dollars on the garage forecourt with signature headlamp clusters, pretty alloys and deep, shield like grille and smooth, sweeping lines to a stylish rear end. And with two brand new engines and a revamp of trim levels, it is more attractive than ever. The 159 now offers a new turbocharged petrol engine, the 1.8 TBi, and a new diesel, the 2.0 JTD, which will be available for the Brera and Spider models later in the year. The new 200bhp petrol engine fitted in the test model offers tremendous pace and acceleration, together with improved economy and lower CO2 emissions.

It brings CO2 emissions down to 189g/km, which drops it six bands in company car benefit in kind taxation compared with the older 2.2 JTS. Fuel economy of just such to under 35mpg is excellent for this type of car. It accelerates well, the new powerplant propelling the Alfa from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 147mph.

Mid-range acceleration is also brisk and makes overtaking a lot safer. The two litre JTDM also delivers better fuel efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. It develops 170bhp available at just 4000rpm and covers the 0-62mph sprint in just 8.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 136mph. CO2 emissions have been reduced to 142g/km. The new range structure comprises Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI. Turismo Sport offers 17in sport alloy wheels, Blue& Me connectivity, sports seat cloth, sports leather steering wheel with remote audio controls and sports dials.

Up the range, the new Elegante trim adds rear parking sensors, visibility pack and the luxury Alfatex interior.

It looks good and feels good inside as well.

The interior has always had plenty of chic but now it feels solid and longlasting.

The leather interior on the test model feels reassuringly expensive and the dash and instrument panel has the look of a cockpit. It may still not quite match the German luxury car leaders as BMW and Audi, but you would be hard pressed tell the difference. Boot space is a bit miserly compared to some but there is split rear seat option to increase cargo space. It is a sporty model and ride and handling are good with plenty of traction available when cornering.

The sixspeed box is also smooth and slick. The car is well equipped, packed with safety gear and standard extras. Safety gear includes front, side, and curtain airbags and driver's knee bag while traction control is standard.

The car scores the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests to give peace of mind to buyers Style, panache, pace and economy and now excellent build quality. Alfa have certainly upped their game.

Factfile: Model: Alfa Romeo 159 1.8 TBi Elegante 0-62mph: 7.7 seconds Power: 200bhp Fuel economy: 34.9mpg CO2 emissions: 189g/km Warranty: Three years/Unlimited mileage Price: pounds 22,750 On sale: Now

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MILLION-DOLLR LOOKS: The signature headlamp clusters, deep shield-like grille and smooth, sweeping lines make the Alfa almost impossibly good-looking