Alfa Romeo have recently released first details of pricing for the new Alfa 159 ahead of its Italian market arrival in September, and all the indications are that it will be very priced competitivly, significantly undercutting its closest rival - BMW's 3-series range.

The prices now revealed are for the Alfa 159 'Progression' and 'Distinctive' versions. The Progressive package includes includes front and lateral airbags, traction control, mono-zone air climate control, leather interior, alloy wheels and CD player. There are three petrol versions, with the 'entry-level' 1.9 JTS costing 28,600 euros, while the 2.2 JTS is priced at 30,600 euros and the 3.2 V6 JTS Q4 at 34,600 euros. The turbo diesel range: 29,240 euro for the 1.9 JTD 8v, 30,800 for 1.9 JTD 16v and 34,600 for the 2.4 JTD. Dealers across Italy are now starting to take orders for these models (with the exception of the 1.9 JTD 8v and 2.4 JTD which will be open to ordering at the end of August).

The 'Distnctive' level sees the list price increasing by 2,650 euros. This package includes front fog lights, bi-zone air-conditioning, audio and GSM controls in the steering wheel, leather steering wheel and gear knob, cruise control, radio CD, Alfatex upholstery, Visibility Pack 1 & 2 (rain sensor, electro chromatic interior mirror, defrosting sensor, odour sensor) and 16” alloy wheels with 215/55 tyres.

THE BMW 3-SERIES - THE SEGEMENT BENCHMARK

The Alfa 159 is aimed squarely at BMW's 3-series range, an ambition that Alfa's new CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell makes no secret of. The German car is undoubtedly the segment benchmark in all aspects that the Italian marque needs to target, including efficiency, quality, reliability and brand perception. Pricing is vital, and BMW - with their class leading image - are always able to command 'badge premiums'.

The brand new 3-series range (codenamed E90) was launched just months ago. Widely praised by virtually all the motoring press, it has instantly claimed the number one spot attributed to its predecessor, and has set itself as the mark that rivals need to be measured against. Once again however, the new BMW 3-series is blighted by the downright ugly Chris Bangle inspired styling, and certainly in the looks department the new 3-series cannot hold a candle to the gorgeous Giorgetto Giugiaro-penned lines of the Alfa 159. Side by side there is no contest as to which grabs the attention: German styling is still no match for Italian.
 

The new 3-series is 4520mm long (with a 2760 wheelbase) and prices below are for the Italian market, and - like the Alfa 159 - are quoted excluding taxes. The 'entry-level' BMW 320i 'Eletta' 4-door - as usual with rear wheel drive - has a 1995cc 4-cyl petrol engine which pumps out 150bhp at 6,200rpm, hits a top speed of 220km/h and travels from 0 to 100km/h in 9 seconds dead. BMW claim a combined fuel cycle of 38.2(35.5) mpg, while the unladen weight is a reasonably hefty 1325kg. Excluding taxes this car is listed at 30,400 euros. Directly comparable to the Alfa 159 1.9 JTS - in 'Progressive' specification - the new Italian model offers a saving of 1,800 euros. The higher specification 3-series 'Attiva' and 'Futura' both retail for 32,900 euros.

The 3-series then steps up to the 218bhp 325i model which boasts a 2497cc 6-cyl petrol engine, a top speed of 245km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds. This model starts at 34,800 euros for the base 'Eletta', while the 'Attiva' and 'Futura' versions cost an extra 2,500 euros. The third petrol engined model in the 3-series range is the 330i, which has another 6-cyl under the bonnet (with a displacement of 2996cc). With 258bhp on tap, a top speed of 250km/h and able to accomplish the 0-100k/h dash in 6.3 seconds, prices in Italy start at 38,800 for the 'Elettra', while the 'Attiva' and 'Futura' cost 41,800 euros.

The three petrol engines are complimented by BMW's tried and tested 1995cc, 4-cyl diesel unit which pumps out 163bhp at 4,000rm, fitted to the 320d range. Like its petrol sisters, the 320d is homologated to EURO4. With a top speed of 220km/h, the diesel can dash from 0-100km/h in a competitive 8.3 seconds, and offers a combined economy of 49.6(42.2) mpg. The 320d model range starts with the 'Elettra' version costing 32,950 euros. Comparable to the Alfa 159 1.9 JTD, the Italian car is able to offer the buyer a saving of 2,200 euros, and comes with Alfa's highly-regarded and punchy turbo diesel unit. The 'Attiva' and 'Futura' specification packages of the 320d command a 2,500 euro premium over the base model.