Early last year Alfa gave the 159 sedan and wagon a facelift, and the 2009 models don't change things up dramatically, though a 1.8TBi variant sporting a 200hp (149kW) turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder and a Q2 electronic differential for the FWD car offer a healthy dose of sport short of the more serious GTA package.
A 170hp (126kW) diesel is also pegged for the range, in the JTDm model. Other model year 2009 changes remain cloaked in mystery.
While neither the Fiat-Chrysler union nor its prospective fruits are yet certain, the spirit of design present in this Alfa Romeo and others ought to serve as a beacon of hope for the company - and car people in general - in these otherwise very dark times.
It's not yet clear if the 159 will be headed to the U.S., though its replacement is tipped to make the ocean crossing.