On 1st March 2005 Alfa Romeo unveiled the future – the Alfa 159 and Brera - two dazzling new models that are set to thrust the iconic Italian ‘sporty’ brand back into the limelight. And down at Smart Alfa, in the heart of the rolling English countryside, they too are gearing up for an exciting new future.

The all-new models were presented to the public on the occasion of the 75th Geneva Salon. The Alfa Romeo 159 sedan – which will replace the highly successful Alfa 156 – is set to arrive in the UK first. The Alfa 156 is a tough act to follow. A former winner of the highly prestigious European Car of the Year award it blazed a new trail for its style and drivability when it first hit the showrooms, while on the track tracks – where Alfa Romeos always prove themselves against the toughest of opposition – it has won and won again. In fact it is still winning: a fortnight ago Fabrizio Giovanardi blazed to victory during the last round of the inaugural FIA World Touring Car Championship - held at the famous Spa circuit - the Italian veteran’s third win of the year.

However with the Alfa 159 now takes the baton forward with a fresh style and renewed panache. Larger, more glamorous and luxurious, better built and more powerful that its much-loved predecessor, in the new 159 – with its exciting new range of engines - Alfa Romeo have a genuine winner on their hands, and finally a car that can take on BMW’s class-leading 3-series range – and beat it squarely at its own game. Likewise the stunning Brera sportscar – also styled by Italian master designer Giorgetto Giugiaro – is set to push the Alfa Romeo brand to new heights.

With the showroom arrival of the Alfa 159 now imminent – and the Brera due by the end of the year, Smart Alfa - the UK’s leading independent Alfa Romeo retailer – is gearing up for its launch on these shores. “The Alfa 159 is set to change the face of the brand’s perception and reach,” comments Smart Alfa’s Ned Kirkham. “Every time Alfa Romeo launches a new model our phones go crazy with customers enquiring about delivery dates,” says Ned, “but the 159 and Brera are just something else; I have never witnessed interest like this, and not just from Alfa Romeo enthusiasts. I am quite sure that the Brera is set to be one of the great sportscars of the decade, a car that will become instantly as iconic and desirable with fashion-conscious buyers as cars such as the Audi TT or BMW Z4.

“As such we are gearing up for their arrival, have made sure we can secure a steady supply of both models,” Ned adds, “and we are now accepting pre-ordering, and customers will - prior to their individual car’s build and delivery - be able to choose colours, and options.”

The Alfa 147 – still a winner - and now with 5 year warrantee

Meanwhile Smart Alfa’s base near Leighton Buzzard – just off the M1 Motorway – is a hive of activity, with the recently facelifted Alfa 147 model proving to be just as popular as it ever has been. The recent internal and external makeover for the former ‘European Car of the Year’ award-winning hatchback has seen subtle all-round improvements being made a car that is still as stylish and vibrant as it ever was. The new Alfa 147 guarantees thrilling performance with a touch of Italian flair that makes it a car with unmistakable styling: well-proportioned yet muscular.
 

Compared to the previous model, the New Alfa 147s looks have been updated inside and out. It is also now bigger, more powerful and with more personality. Improvements to the ride substantially increase comfort levels, while the interior is now much more luxurious. The carefully thought out changes – which extend to every area of the car – widen its already broad appeal even further. Changes include the option of the leading-edge 150 bhp 1.9 JTD 16v M-Jet engine, a brand new robotised gearbox, Comfort suspension, and the most sophisticated safety devices in its class, including VDC, ASR, ABS with EBD and curtain-bags.

“The 147 proves to be still as popular as ever, and is now a real genuine alternative for discerning buyers in its segment,” says Ned, who has been selling Alfa Romeos for more than five years now. “While the visual changes are limited - merely serving to enhance a stunning design, potential buyers who investigate the new car find that it is very much improved in every department. Many of our regular customers are now trading in their first series 147’s for the new model.”

For example the 150bhp Alfa 147 1.9 JTD – with Comfort Pack, Winter Pack, Leather interior, 17 inch alloy wheels, comfort suspension, and metallic paint - which retails in the UK for £21,080 is offered by Smart Alfa for £16,500 on the road, while the 2.0-litre version with a similar options pack is offered for £15,570 on the road. “All our cars are brand new, built to full UK specification, come with zero miles on the clock, and our customer’s name as the first registered owner,” mentions Ned. “We have a wide range of colours and trim levels for the 147, with all models in stock so customers can view individual cars in the flesh, before committing to a purchase. We have expanded our website in recent months and details of all our stock cars can be viewed, together with actual photos of the individual cars.”

Lastly - putting their money where their mouth is - Smart Alfa are offering a five year warrantee with the new Alfa 147 until the end of the month, right across the range. "We believe in this car absolutely," concludes Ned, "It's a real winner, and as such were are now offering a five year warrantee until the end of this month, such is our confidence in it."

Smart Alfa are currently recruiting sales staff, for further details please phone them on 0870 60 90 147.