By Michael Goetz

Alfa Romeo chose Geneva to debut the mid-cycle updates to its beautiful 159 series of sedans and wagons. 

The car line is Alfa’s entry in Europe’s high-volume C-segment but sales are wanting; the new Giulia is expected to replace the 159 sometime late next year. 

Alfa Romeo 159

In addition to some face-lifting, the refreshed 159s feature will be available with two new Euro 5 compliant engines: the 170-hp 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel; and the 200-hp 1.75 litre TBi petrol powerplant. The latter is said to hustle the 159 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, and will top  the car out at 235 km/h. 

The sedan is offered in a TI sporting edition, featuring lowered geometry, bigger tires on 19-inch rims, miniskirts and large aluminum brakes with red calipers. 

A show of hands — who would like to see the proposed Chrysler-Fiat entity bring Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand back to North America?