The new Alfa 159 will go on sale in the UK on February 25; it's due in South Africa later this year but nobody at Fiat Auto SA was able to say exactly when - or even which models will come.
Nevertheless, to whet the appetites of Alfisti everywhere...
We can tell you that nine models will be offered in Britain with a choice of five engines: three new direct-injection petrol (1.9 and 2.2 four-cylinder and a 3.2-litre V6).
The 1.9-litre four-cylinder and 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel engines have multi-jet common-rail direct-injection and variable geometry turbocharging. Each is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox though six-speed auto will be available for the V6 and the diesels.
The V6 comes with Q4 permanent all-wheel drive as standard; it has three differentials, including a self-locking centre unit that divides drive on the basis of grip; under normal driving it feeds power in a 43:57 front/rear ratio.
The suspension has a revised version of the 156's high double-wishbone set-up in front and the suspension has been connected to the chassis via a sub-frame that's is stiffer than the previous crossbeam. The new multilink configuration has a higher anchor point.
The brakes are 305mm ventilated front and 278mm solid discs at the rear on lesser models; the V6 and 2.4 turbodiesel have 330mm ventilated discs and Brembo four-piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front and 292mm ventilated discs at the rear.
ABS has been combined with electronic brake pressure distribution and the vehicle's dynamic control - that means wheelspin control, engine braking on downshifts and a "hill holder" for smooth takeoffs on steep gradients.
The car has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Depending on model, there are up to eight crash bags, including knee bags and side bags to shield the side windows.
There are pre-tensioners and load limiters on the seat belts and an anti-whiplash system that automatically brings the head restraints closer to each occupant's neck in a rear impact.
The 159's wheelbase is 105mm longer than that of the 156, improving both front and rear legroom. The interior is focused on the driver's immediate surroundings; the driver's seat is adjustable for height and the steering wheel for rake and reach.
The large, deeply hooded speedometer and rev counter dials are backlit in white and a multifunction display gives access to a wide range of functions as well as the trip computer. Smaller gauges show fuel and engine temperature, turbo boost (diesel) and oil temperature (petrol).
An optional 60:40 split/folding rear seat with a middle armrest will expand the 405-litre boot into a robust load platform and there are up to 14 storage areas in the cabin, including a large glove box, an insulated bin in the front centre armrest and a storage compartment in the rear armrest.
Turismo variants are upholstered in Alfatex fabric in black, grey or beige; Lusso models come with black, tan, red, blue or beige leather.