The charismatic Alfa 156 is a stylish alternative to the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Lexus IS200. A great deal less expensive, too. A 99S 1.8 TS with 42,000 miles is £8,500 privately.

Cars in the general trade are similarly priced: a frugal 01X 2.4 JTD Veloce with 12,000 miles is £14,500. The sporty choice is the 190bhp 2.5 V6 24v Lusso - around £11,000 buys a 40,000-mile 99V.

Prices for A4 - 156's most accessible rival - are higher. A 98S 1.8T quattro Sport with 40,000 miles is about £15k at an Audi specialist.