2004 Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 TS TI

Passion Alfa has often dictated the sale of the past, but unfortunately for the 166, executive car buyers tend to think more with his head than the heart. But now it has given one of the best we can remember nosejobs and badges have been dusted down IT, the things that must change.

Following the decision to not give buyers a brilliant English nsoh 2.4, Alpha is relying on 2.0-liter four and 3.0 and 3.2-liter V6 petrols to carry coverage. With only 134 pounds ft twist, the base 2.0 Twin Spark needs of each round to give 166 per crowd. But the super-quick throttle response, nice induction growl and the extra boost in the upper rev range serves as a reminder of Alfa sports heritage. A nice six-speed manual swap cogs means there are difficulties, though the ratio is closer to more exploit pale powerband.

TI £ 2000 on a new packaging range revised, with an aggressive 18-inch alloys, a trip-15mm drop height, retuned springs and dampers, black leather and sports seats, above the £ 24,400 lusso. Low profile 235/40 ZR18 Pirelli P-Zero Rossos improve road noise, but the ride is surprisingly unaffected. Sightseeing independent suspension can jump and jump, betrayed chassis' age, but the journey getting less nervous with the speed. Direct steering and ultra-fast and can be ignored torquesteer belies the fact that the same wheel turns and drives good.

Inside, the great, multi-adjustable seat allows a comfortable driving position and the circular air vents, narrow, ribbed leather facings instrument cluster gives the right atmosphere Italianate.

As we drove 166 five years ago, we called the 2.0-liter 'best value in the range'. Choosing to £ 21,750 Turismo (not IT) and is still valid.