The 159 has been awarded the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, and is fitted with at least seven airbags (an eighth to protect the passenger’s knees is available as an option). ABS, and an alarm and immobiliser are also fitted as standard giving an extra boost for Alfa 159 safety and security.

It may be a saloon but the 159 is surprisingly good for carrying kit. The boot is big, the rear seats fold down for carrying longer items and there’s also a ski hatch. On the downside the seats don’t split on all models and the distance between the boot and cabin with the seats folded is quiet constricted. Annoyingly – on early models – the boot could only be opened with the button on the key fob.

Luckily this was changed later with a release built into the Alfa Romeo badge on the boot lid. Storage up front could be better though – the door pockets are narrow and shallow while the central cubby between the front seats isn’t very useful.