The Germans. It’s a phrase that appears in consumer roadtests on the 159 regularly, with the BMW named most often.

Even Alfa can’t resist. “The 159 is an attractive alternative to mainstream German brands,” the press officer told me.

However, unlike BMW, 2009 proved a remarkable year for Alfa Romeo with its total market share growing by 52.39%, making it one of the year’s highest achievers.

It gave the brand its highest sales total since 2003. Year-on-year volumes grew by 133.07% in December too.

And with managing director Andrew Humberstone’s drive this year to improve dealers’ service standards (AM-online.com search: Humberstone) and a new model investment plan set to be signed off soon, there should be a feeling of determined confidence in the network.

Current Alfa finance offers include a 3.2% personal contract purchase for the £25,500 1750 TBi Ti on a £4,995 deposit and 41 monthly payments of £349. Optional final payment is £7,781.

With its distinctive styling, lower production volumes are also championed as offering customers a sense of individuality.

And with prices starting from £20,380 (1.9JTDm Eco Turismo) and one of the most generous equipment lists in the D-segment, including the Blue&Me Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition and media player with USB, buyers can feel they have also been sensible with their money.

Our Lusso came with rear parking sensors, dual zone automatic climate control, cruise control, ‘follow-me-home’ headlamps and electronic start/stop as standard.

An Alfa salesperson would be wise to mention the 159’s five-star EuroNCAP rating, driver and passenger front airbags, window airbags, front side and driver knee airbags as standard.

The newest engines, the 1750 TBi and 2.0JTDm, mean improved road tax bills thanks to lower CO2 emissions at 189 and 142g/km respectively.