The Italians are passionate about food, clothes and cars. True to form, Alfa Romeos have always raised the pulse a little higher - as does the gorgeous 159. The difference between this car and its predecessors however, is that it will do so across a wider cross-section of people than ever before. People like me, who've never owned one, are used to considering cars on a purely practical level. However, my first thought on taking a long, slow look at the aristocratic lines of the 159 was not practical at all. It was entirely materialistic: I want one.

Visually then, Alfa are halfway there. But in the cut-and-thrust commercial reality of the prestige sports saloon market - the arena in which the 159 must compete - the car has to measure up in other more practical areas. Lovely and hot-blooded it may be, but in BMW territory the battle is intense. From one perspective at least, the car begins with a head start. Women who enjoy driving will love this car - and that's important. By the year 2010, so the statisticians tell us, there will be as many women drivers on Britain's roads as men. Current thinking suggests them to be more open-minded, more fashion-orientated and less badge conscious. Current thinking suggests they'll like the 159 a lot. Having said that, the individuality of the 159 will, I think, appeal to women as much as its eye-catching looks. Not that this is a car you can pigeonhole to either sex and it is this perfect balance that appeals to me. The contours flow from the bonnet, creating the impression that the 159 has been fashioned in a single stroke. The latest Sportwagon estate version looks equally well proportioned.

This is a car for people who are going places. For me, there has always been a real thrill in turning the ignition key in an Alfa and the 159 is no exception. The muted roar of the engine fulfils the promise of that sporty exterior. Yes, it could be called aggressive, but there's none of the machismo which often steers women like me away from other so-called 'driver's' cars. And male or female, you will appreciate the interior design. There's something very intimate I think, about the way the dials on the dashboard are angled towards the driver, to be viewed at a glance by him or her alone. The steering wheel adjusts for both height and reach and it takes only moments to settle comfortably into the seat, which somehow contrives to be luxurious yet supportive, another illustration of that perfect Alfa balance. The gear lever is set high and is also angled towards the driver for ease of reach. An area of car design I often think would be better left to women - and often is - comes in the choice and fabrics in the cabin. Trust the Italians, however, with their keen eye for fashion, to produce a tasteful array of options across the range. There's rich velour on most models or the option of soft black leather according to your taste. The interior of the 159 pleases not only the eye but the ear as well. Refinement is impressive and this, combined with excellent climate control (with air conditioning standard on all models) means comfortable driving, however long you spend behind the wheel. And I couldn't close without touching on the engines themselves. Five powerplants are on offer, split between two diesels and three petrol powerplants. The entry-level diesel option is the 150bhp 1.9-litre Multijet unit, while the range-topping diesel variant is the 2.4-litre 210bhp Multijet JTD. This is an absolute stormer, capable of zipping to 60mph in a tad under 8 seconds. Petrol engines start with a 1.8-litre 140bhp four, with a 2.2-litre 185bhp JTS powerplant above that. Of more interest to serious petrol heads is the 260bhp 3.2-litre V6, based on a Holden unit from Australia and rebuilt to a special Alfa recipe. Four wheel drive will be an option for V6 buyers. Alfa Romeo's clever Q-Tronic gearbox is also available as an added extra with the 1.9, 2.4 and 3.2-litre engines.

So whether, like me, you'd buy your Alfa Romeo with your heart or, more pragmatically with your head, you'll find the arithmetic as pleasing as the car.