From the start, I have to declare a desire for the sexy and stylish Alfa 156!

The 156 is named in the tradition of the famous 158 and 159 World Champion Grand Prix cars and its sleek lines show its racing heritage. It has been a best global seller for Fiat.

Designed by Giugiaro, it has that racing car appeal, in spades.

I appreciate its suggestion of sleek, muscular power. The whole shape with roof lines resting firmly on wide wheel arches. That peculiar, and manufactured, special Alfa sound which sets the spine tingling with anticipation. And that distinctive Alfa grille.

In recent times, the 156 has undergone its second serious makeover with changes mostly to the rear with new lights and bumper.

The interior, too, has had a good makeover with a new design for the top of the dash, a new information centre, new upholstery and the option of a parking sensor. The central console has been converted to aluminium which brightens up the whole cabin and does away with the previous all black moody look.

With a three-year change cycle within striking distance, the latest make over will probably be the last for the current generation.

However, the true heart of every Alfa Romeo is in its engine and Fiat have injected the 156 with a new lease of life with the introduction of the Multi Jet diesel engine which they expect will increase sales of the 156 by up to one-third.

Fiat Auto Ireland believe the car has taken them into the diesel segment in Ireland. “We want to deliver the message that 156 has achieved an extra refinement with a combination of cost effectiveness, fun, and a 6-speed gearbox, giving us an extra edge in the market,” MD Mick Howe said at the makeover announcement.

The car under review is the 1.9- JTD 150bhp Multi Jet priced at €36,500. A very special car. The first car in the world to use a second generation Common Rail Multi-Jet power unit. Advantages include lower engine noise, better performance, quieter combustion and reduced emissions as well as improved car handling.

Power delivery is improved by allowing very high torque even at low rpms. Maximum pulling power comes in at around 2000 rpm. Stay between that and about 4000rpm to get the best performance levels. Even at 1000rpm, the 156 pulls away smoothly.

It comes with a top speed of 129mph and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and returns a figure of 47.7mpg for the combined cycle.

It’s not the first diesel engine in the 156 garage, as there has been a 2.4-diesel since the 156 was first introduced. But the 1.9- has put the model for the first time into an affordable level while not downgrading the sporty ethos of Alfa.

Naturally, the Multi Jet sings to a different tune. A more tenor tone than the alto song of the petrol version.

Inside, the revamped dash includes the familiar double circular binnacle style of the instruments which feature red numbers against a dark background. The rev counter and speedometer are in true racing tradition, but there’s still a problem for some people not being able to see the critical 60mph speed level because it is obscured by your hand on the wheel. (It is for me, anyway!). The RDS Blaupunkt radio, while giving good, clear reception, is on the fussy side with tiny buttons.

The 156 includes FWD and ABS + EBD, remote control, dual zone climate control, immobiliser, CD with six speakers, side skirts, sports suspension, racing brakes, and leather steering wheel with audio controls.

Safety features include dual airbags and two side airbags built into the seat backrests, three-point seat belts with pretensioners for every passenger.

While the 156 is well specced, there are a huge number of extra options available including metallic paint, sunroof, cruise control and parking sensor. CD NAV is also available.

It’s a car I hated returning to its rightful owners!