The range-topping 2.5 V6 24V may be equipped with two different types of gearbox: six-speed manual or Q-System. The latter is an innovative four-speed transmission that offers three different automatic driving modes (Sport, City and Ice) but also allows gears to be selected manually as on a conventional manual gearbox.

The automatic transmission alone uses engine performance to the full and offers great comfort, particularly when driving around town. The Q-System adds the possibility of maintaining full control of the gearbox when required. This will certainly be welcome news to drivers who do not wish to give up the satisfaction of a sporting drive.

One exclusive feature of the Q-System is its selector lever gate. The lever can be moved to all the conventional automatic transmission positions in the right-hand sector: parking, reverse, neutral and drive.

Three buttons on the side of the lever can be used to choose between three different operating modes. 'City' promotes a comfortable drive and managed fuel consumption because speeds are engaged at relatively low rpms. It is used under normal road conditions with heavy traffic. The 'Sport' setting enhances car performance and ensures a lively, fun drive. It is selected for a sporty drive or over demanding routes. 'Ice' is recommended when the road surface is slippery (e.g. with snow or ice). It can also be engaged when the car is moving but at a speed lower than 45 km/h. The car takes off in second gear under these conditions.

When you set the lever to drive and shift to the left-hand sector, the gearbox changes to 'Q-System' mode (manual drive). The gears are arranged in an H as on conventional gearboxes. Reverse can only be selected in the automatic transmission gate.

Like the Selespeed, Q-System automatic transmission also uses a display in the rev counter to inform the driver of the current mode and what gear is engaged.

The five cylinder2.4 JTD2387cc engine fitted to the other car on the stand features a Common Rail High Pressure Direct Injection device. It delivers a power output of 103 kW (140 bhp) at 4000 rpm and unleashes a torque of 304 Nm (31 kgm) at 1800 rpm. Unsurprisingly, this unit ensures brisk performances: 205 km/h of top speed, searing acceleration (from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds) and excellent pick-up.

Fuel consumptions figures measured using the new combined cycle regime are also low: 6.8 l/100 km.

The Alfa Sportwagon is made up of another four engines in addition to the two on show. One is a diesel (the 1.9 JTD), the others petrol: 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0. The latter is also available with a Selespeed robotised sequential gearbox with steering wheel controls.