ALFA Romeo has expanded its 156 range with an automatic transmission version of the 2.5-litre V6 24V known as the Q-System. The Q-System is two transmissions in one - a central console-mounted gearlever provides fully automatic transmission when positioned to the right, or a four-speed clutchless manual option when moved to the left.

The idea, says Alfa Romeo, is to offer drivers the opportunity of experiencing a 156 whose transmission is capable of taking the strain of stop-start city motoring and the chance to sample the sportiness of the car's acclaimed 190bhp engine on the open road. In addition, when the lever is positioned to the right in automatic mode, the driver can select one of three different pre-programmed driving modes: City, Sport and Ice.

The 156 2.5-litre V6 Q-System costs £24,659 on-the-road and is also available twinned with one of the three 156 sport pack options. It has a top speed of 141mph, 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and fuel consumption of 23.7mpg on the combined cycle.