FOR Italian design flair, decent cabin space and smooth engines make the Alfa 159 a competent compact executive.

AGAINST The Alfa 159 is not as good to drive as it should be, considering Alfa’s sporty reputation, and there’s the spectre of unreliability.

FOR Italian style, good-sized boot, decent cabin space and smooth engines make this one stylish estate.

AGAINST Not as good to drive as rivals, the boot is not the easiest to load, and there are some reliability problems.