THOSE who want to stand out from the crowd of Audis and BMWs on the roads should take a look at the stylish and svelte Alfa Romeo 159.

Inside and out, it looks every inch the complete sporting saloon in a way that others simply cannot match and it seems to have beaten the reliability issues of earlier models.

As long as you make sure that you have full service history, with every stamp in the service book, it's unlikely to let you down.

This big Alfa drives beautifully in every way and owners say it's also very comfortable over long journeys or short.

There's marvellous grip and road holding through the corners - in true Alfa style - and the pin sharp steering feels marvellous on the limit.

Towards the end of production in 2011 engines were 1.75 200bhp petrol, 1.9 eco diesel with 120bhp and 2.0-litre diesel with 136 or 170bhp.

A number of other engines were available earlier including 2.2 and 3.2-litre petrols and a 1.9 diesel that is still worth buying.

The 2.0-litre diesel is the best buy, offering quiet cruising along with very good performance when pressed and good pulling power from low down.

All models have a smooth six-speed gearbox and a six-speed automatic was available on the V6 and the diesel engines. Some diesels and all V6 models also came with four wheel drive but it adds to running costs.

There were numerous changes in specification and additional trim levels over the years, but even the entry Tourismo has alloys, dual-zone climate, stability and traction control, alarm, cruise and audio remote controls. Lusso adds leather, parking sensors and more.