It's pretty much impossible for Alfa Romeo to pass up an opportunity for a little nod to its rich history. Please note the name for the latest version of its mid-size sporting sedan: the 159 1750, which pays tribute to the iconic 1750 sedan of 1967. And why not? Glory days and all that.
Strangely appropriate, too, because the 159 is now rapidly heading towards a resting place of its own in Alfa Romeo heritage. It dates way back to 2005 and is due for replacement next year - by a very different car that will pick up the design ethos and styling detail of new-generation Alfas like the Giulietta and MiTo.
However, there is one aspect of the 159 that sneaks it back towards technology leadership: the recent addition of the 1750 engine option, which embraces the European trend for small-capacity, big-output engines. It's a 1742cc (so it really should be a 1740) unit with direct injection, variable valve timing and a turbocharger, making a truly impressive 147kW/320Nm yet still returning 8.1 litres per 100km in the combined cycle.
The claim of a diesel-like peak torque figure at just 1400rpm isn't always born out in practice - the throttle response can be tepid in low-gear, low-speed driving. But once you get into the mid-range, the 1.7-litre powerplant is beautifully linear and exceptionally crisp as you climb up the rev range.
It's certainly enough to give the very familiar (I mean that in a nice way) 159 a renewed lease on life, although in these days of two-pedal dual-clutch Alfas some might be surprised/disappointed to find that the 159 1750 only comes with a manual transmission. Once upon a time, you wouldn't have considered an Alfa Romeo with anything else. But times have changed.
