The old blended with the new yesterday when U.C.I.M. Co. Ltd launched the new Alfa 156 in the former capital of Mdina.

Managing director Francesca Mamo said the new car builds on the successes of its predecessor while at the same time offering deep seated changes - better performance, more safety and more opulent interiors.

The car, she said, was still recognisable from the outside. Though changes on the exterior were not so radical, the changes involving performance and power units, interiors, safety and comfort were highly evident, she said.

The new 156 features the Brera's sloping shark-like head light clusters, while the headlights themselves feature overlapping chrome plated elements on a black background.

The other big change to the front is the enlarged shield that completely bisects the front bumper.

It now features five horizontal chrome bars like that of the Alfa 147.

The new Alfa 156 will be available with a range of petrol and diesel engines.

Petrol engines available will be the 1.8 Twin Spark valve 144 BHP and the 2.0 JTS 16 valve 166 BHP.

The 115 BHP 1.9 JTD will be joined by two new turbo diesel engines - the 140 BHP 1.9 JTD 16 valve multijet and the mighty 175BHP 2.4 JTD 20 valve multijet. Both engines will be equipped with a six speed transmission.

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