ALFA Romeo's new upper medium saloon - the 156 - is expected to appear in the UK next spring. The engine line-up features 144bhp 1.8 and 155bhp 2.0 16-valve engines and a 190bhp 24-valve V6.

An all-new five cylinder 2.4 turbodiesel may find its way over here. Specification and prices will be announced nearer the launch, but early indications are that the 156 will be pitched at an upmarket audience with equipment and pricetag to match.